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LON56926774 021312-0516
BASE PROSPECTUS
COMPASS GROUP PLC (incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales under registered number 4083914)
COMPASS GROUP FINANCE NETHERLANDS B.V. (incorporated as a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) in the
Netherlands and with its statutory seat in Amsterdam)
£6,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed, in the case of Notes issued by
Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V., by Compass Group PLC
This Base Prospectus has been approved by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), as competent authority under Regulation
(EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation"), as a base prospectus issued in compliance with the Prospectus Regulation. Such approval relates only
to the issue of the notes ("Notes") under the Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the "Programme") of Compass Group PLC ("Compass PLC") and
Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V. ("Compass Group Finance B.V."). Each of Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V. shall be referred
to herein as an "Issuer", and in respect of issues of Notes by Compass Group Finance B.V., Compass PLC shall be a guarantor (in such capacity, the
"Guarantor"). Such approval also relates only to the issue of Notes under the Programme, described in this Base Prospectus which are to be admitted to
trading within the period of 12 months from the date of this Base Prospectus on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange plc (the "Main Market")
which is a regulated market for the purposes of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"). References in this Base Prospectus to "Exempt Notes"
are to Notes issued under the Programme for which no prospectus is required to be published under the Prospectus Regulation. The FCA has neither
approved nor reviewed information contained in this Base Prospectus in connection with Exempt Notes. The FCA has only approved this Base Prospectus
as meeting the standards of completeness, comprehensibility and consistency imposed by the Prospectus Regulation. Such approval should not be
considered as an endorsement of the Issuers, or the Guarantor nor as an endorsement of the quality of any Notes that are the subject of this Base Prospectus.
Investors should make their own assessment as to the suitability of investing in such Notes. This Base Prospectus is valid for a period of 12 months from
the date of approval.
Applications have been made for the Notes (other than the Exempt Notes) to be admitted during the period of 12 months after the date hereof to listing
on the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the Main Market. The applicable pricing supplement (the "Pricing Supplement") in respect of the issue
of any Exempt Notes will specify whether or not such Exempt Notes will be admitted to listing or trading on any European Economic Area ("EEA") or
non-United Kingdom ("UK") stock exchanges and/or markets, if applicable.
Investing in Notes issued under the Programme involves certain risks. The principal risk factors that may affect the abilities of the Issuers and/or the
Guarantor, as the case may be, to fulfil their respective obligations under the Notes or the Guarantee (as defined below) as the case may be, are
discussed under "Risk Factors" below.
Neither the Notes nor the Guarantee have been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and Notes in bearer form are subject to U.S. tax
law requirements. The Notes may not be offered, sold or (in the case of Notes in bearer form) delivered within the United States or to, or for the account
or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S")) except in certain transactions exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Compass PLC has been assigned a rating of A (negative outlook) and Compass Group Finance B.V. has been assigned a rating of A (negative outlook)
by S&P Global Ratings Europe Limited, UK Branch ("Standard and Poor's"). The Programme has been assigned a rating of A (negative outlook) by
Standard and Poor's and a rating of (P) A3 (stable outlook) by Moody's Investors Service Ltd ("Moody's"). Each of Standard and Poor's and Moody's is
a credit rating agency established and operating in the European Community or the United Kingdom and registered under Regulation (EU) No 1060/2009
as amended (the "CRA Regulation"). Tranches of Notes issued under the Programme may be rated or unrated. Where a Tranche of Notes is rated, such
rating(s) will not necessarily be the same as the ratings described above or the rating(s) assigned to Notes already issued. The rating(s) assigned to a
particular Tranche of Notes issued under the Programme will be disclosed in the Final Terms. The European Securities and Markets Authority ("ESMA")
is obliged to maintain on its website (http://www.esma.europa.eu) a list of credit rating agencies registered and certified in accordance with the CRA
Regulation. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold Notes and may be subject to suspension, change or withdrawal at any time by the
assigning rating agency.
Arranger and Permanent Dealer
CITIGROUP
25 August 2020
LON56926774 021312-0516
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT NOTICES ............................................................................................................................. 1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS .................................................................................................... 4
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME .................................................................................... 5
RISK FACTORS .......................................................................................................................................... 9
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE .......................................................................... 18
FINAL TERMS, PRICING SUPPLEMENT AND DRAWDOWN PROSPECTUSES ............................ 19
FORMS OF THE NOTES .......................................................................................................................... 20
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES ....................................................................................... 26
FORM OF FINAL TERMS ........................................................................................................................ 57
FORM OF PRICING SUPPLEMENT ....................................................................................................... 67
USE OF PROCEEDS ................................................................................................................................. 78
DESCRIPTION OF COMPASS GROUP FINANCE NETHERLANDS B.V. ......................................... 79
DESCRIPTION OF COMPASS GROUP PLC .......................................................................................... 80
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES .................................................................................... 89
TAXATION ............................................................................................................................................... 94
SUBSCRIPTION AND SALE ................................................................................................................... 98
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS ................................................................................................................ 102
GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 103
LON56926774 021312-0516
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IMPORTANT NOTICES
This Base Prospectus (together with any supplementary prospectus and any documents incorporated by
reference, the "Base Prospectus") contains summary information provided by Compass Group Finance
B.V. and by Compass PLC in connection with the Programme under which Compass Group Finance B.V.
and Compass PLC may issue and have outstanding at any time Notes up to a maximum aggregate amount
of £6,000,000,000 or its equivalent in alternative currencies, and in respect of Notes issued by Compass
Group Finance B.V., with the benefit of a guarantee by Compass PLC. Under the Programme, the Issuers
may issue Notes outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S ("Regulation S") of the United States
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Each of Compass Group Finance B.V. and
Compass PLC has, pursuant to an amended and restated dealer agreement dated 25 August 2020 (the
"Dealer Agreement"), appointed Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Citigroup Global Markets Europe
AG as dealers for the Notes (together with any dealers for the day, the "Dealers"), and authorised and
requested the Dealers to circulate the Base Prospectus in connection with the Programme on their behalf to
purchasers or potential purchasers of the Notes.
Compass Group Finance B.V. and Compass PLC each accept responsibility for the information contained
in this Base Prospectus and the Final Terms (as defined below) for each Tranche (as defined herein) of
Notes issued under the Programme and each declares that, to the best of its knowledge the information
contained in this Base Prospectus and any Final Terms is, in accordance with the facts and the Base
Prospectus makes no omission likely to affect its import.
Each Tranche (as defined herein) of Notes will be issued on the terms set out herein under "Terms and
Conditions of the Notes" (the "Conditions") as completed by a document specific to such Tranche called
final terms (the "Final Terms") or (in the case of Exempt Notes) a Pricing Supplement or in a separate
prospectus specific to such Tranche (the "Drawdown Prospectus") as described under "Final Terms,
Pricing Supplements and Drawdown Prospectuses" below. In the case of a Tranche of Notes which is the
subject of a Pricing Supplement or a Drawdown Prospectus, each reference in this Base Prospectus to
information being specified or identified in the relevant Final Terms shall be read and construed as a
reference to such information being specified or identified in the relevant Pricing Supplement (in the case
of Exempt Notes) or Drawdown Prospectus unless the context requires otherwise. This Base Prospectus
must be read and construed together with any amendments or supplements hereto and with any information
incorporated by reference herein and, in relation to any Tranche of Notes which is the subject of Final
Terms, must be read and construed together with the relevant Final Terms.
Each of Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V. has confirmed to the Dealers named under
"Subscription and Sale" below that this Base Prospectus contains all information which is (in the context
of the Programme, the issue, offering and sale of the Notes) material; that such information is true and
accurate in all material respects and is not misleading in any material respect; that any opinions, predictions
or intentions expressed herein are honestly held or made and are not misleading in any material respect;
that this Base Prospectus does not omit to state any material fact necessary to make such information,
opinions, predictions or intentions (in the context of the Programme, the issue, offering and sale of the
Notes) not misleading in any material respect; and that all proper enquiries have been made to verify the
foregoing.
No person has been authorised to give any information or to make any representation not contained in or
not consistent with this Base Prospectus or any other document entered into in relation to the Programme
or any information supplied by the Issuers and/or the Guarantor, as the case may be, or such other
information as is in the public domain and, if given or made, such information or representation should not
be relied upon as having been authorised by any of the Issuers, the Guarantor, the Trustee or any Dealer.
None of the Trustee, the Dealers nor any of their respective affiliates have authorised the whole or any part
of this Base Prospectus and none of them makes any representation or warranty or accepts any responsibility
as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Base Prospectus. Neither the delivery
of this Base Prospectus or any Final Terms nor the offering, sale or delivery of any Note shall, in any
circumstances, create any implication that the information contained in this Base Prospectus is true
subsequent to the date hereof or the date upon which this Base Prospectus has been most recently amended
or supplemented or that there has been no adverse change, or any event reasonably likely to involve any
adverse change, in the prospects or financial or trading position of the Issuers and/or the Guarantor as the
case may be, since the date thereof or, if later, the date upon which this Base Prospectus has been most
recently amended or supplemented or that any other information supplied in connection with the
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 2 -
Programme is correct at any time subsequent to the date on which it is supplied or, if different, the date
indicated in the document containing the same.
The distribution of this Base Prospectus and any Final Terms and the offering, sale and delivery of the
Notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this Base Prospectus
or any Final Terms comes are required by Compass PLC, Compass Group Finance B.V. and the Dealers to
inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. For a description of certain restrictions on
offers, sales and deliveries of Notes and on the distribution of this Base Prospectus or any Final Terms and
other offering material relating to the Notes, see "Subscription and Sale" and "Transfer Restrictions".
In particular, neither the Notes nor the Guarantee have been, nor will they be, registered under the Securities
Act or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and
Notes in bearer form are subject to U.S. tax law requirements. The Notes may not be offered, sold or (in
the case of Notes in bearer form) delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of,
U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S) except in certain transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act.
The Notes may be offered and sold in bearer form or registered form outside the United States to non-U.S.
persons in reliance on Regulation S. For a description of these and certain further restrictions on offers,
sales and transfers of Notes, see "Subscription and Sale" and "Transfer Restrictions".
NEITHER THE PROGRAMME NOR THE NOTES NOR THE GUARANTEE HAVE BEEN
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
(THE "SEC"), ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY
OTHER U.S. REGULATORY AUTHORITY, NOR HAS ANY OF THE FOREGOING
AUTHORITIES PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF ANY OFFERING OF NOTES
OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS BASE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED
STATES.
IMPORTANT – EEA AND UK RETAIL INVESTORS - If the Final Terms (as defined below) in respect
of any Notes includes a legend entitled "Prohibition of Sales to EEA and UK Retail Investors", the Notes
are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or
otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or in the UK. For these purposes, a retail investor
means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID
II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended or superseded, where that
customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II.
Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No. 1286/2014 (as amended, the
"PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail
investors in the EEA or in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise
making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or in the UK may be unlawful under the PRIIPS
Regulation.
MIFID II PRODUCT GOVERNANCE / TARGET MARKET – The Final Terms (as defined below)
in respect of any Notes will include a legend entitled "MiFID II Product Governance" which will outline
the target market assessment in respect of the Notes and which channels for distribution of the Notes are
appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Notes (a "distributor") should
take into consideration the target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is
responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Notes (by either adopting or
refining the target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.
A determination will be made in relation to each issue of Notes about whether, for the purpose of the MiFID
Product Governance rules under EU Delegated Directive 2017/593 (the "MiFID Product Governance
Rules"), any Dealer subscribing for any Notes is a manufacturer in respect of such Notes, but otherwise
neither the Arranger nor the Dealers nor any of their respective affiliates will be a manufacturer for the
purpose of the MiFID Product Governance Rules.
BENCHMARKS REGULATION – Interest and/or other amounts payable under the Notes may be
calculated by reference to certain reference rates. Any such reference rates may constitute a benchmark for
the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 (the "Benchmarks Regulation"). If any such reference rate
does constitute such a benchmark, the Final Terms will indicate whether or not the benchmark is provided
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 3 -
by an administrator included in the registrar of administrators and benchmarks established and maintained
by ESMA pursuant to Article 36 (Register of administrators and benchmarks) of the Benchmark
Regulation. Transitional provisions in the Benchmarks Regulation may have the result that the
administrator of a particular benchmark is not required to appear in the register of administrators and
benchmarks at the date of the Final Terms. The registration status of any administrator under the
Benchmarks Regulation is a matter of public record and, save where required by applicable law, the Issuer
does not intend to update the Final Terms to reflect any change in the registration status of the administrator.
Neither this Base Prospectus nor any Final Terms constitutes an offer or an invitation to subscribe for or
purchase any Notes and should not be considered as a recommendation by Compass PLC, Compass Group
Finance B.V. the Trustee, the Dealers or any of them that any recipient of this Base Prospectus or any Final
Terms should subscribe for or purchase any Notes. Each recipient of this Base Prospectus or any Final
Terms shall be taken to have made its own investigation and appraisal of the condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Issuers and/or the Guarantor.
PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 309B OF THE SECURITIES AND
FUTURES ACT (CHAPTER 289 OF SINGAPORE)
The Final Terms in respect of any Notes may include a legend entitled "Singapore Securities and Futures
Act Product Classification" which will state the product classification of the Notes pursuant to section
309B(1) of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289 of Singapore) (the "SFA"). The Issuer will make a
determination in relation to each issue about the classification of the Notes being offered for the purposes
of section 309B(1)(a). Any such legend included on the relevant Final Terms will constitute notice to
"relevant persons" for the purposes of section 309B(1)(c) of the SFA.
The maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any one time under the Programme will
not exceed £6,000,000,000 (and for this purpose, any Notes denominated in another currency shall be
translated into Sterling at the date of the agreement to issue such Notes (calculated in accordance with the
provisions of the Dealer Agreement). The maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be
outstanding at any one time under the Programme may be increased from time to time, subject to
compliance with the relevant provisions of the Dealer Agreement as defined under "Subscription and Sale".
In this Base Prospectus, unless otherwise specified, references to a "Member State" are references to a
Member State of the European Economic Area, references to "U.S.$", "U.S. dollars" or "dollars" are to
United States dollars, references to "Euro", "euro", "EUR" or "€" are to the currency introduced at the start
of the third stage of European economic and monetary union, and as defined in Article 2 of Council
Regulation (EC) No 974/98 of 3 May 1998 on the introduction of the Euro as amended, and references to
"Sterling", or "£" are to pounds sterling.
Certain figures included in this Base Prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments; accordingly,
figures shown for the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly and figures shown as
totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures which precede them.
This Base Prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of Notes in any Member State of the
European Economic Area or the United Kingdom (each, a "Relevant State") will be made pursuant to an
exemption under the Prospectus Regulation, as implemented in that Relevant State, from the requirement
to publish a prospectus for offers of Notes. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer
in that Relevant State of Notes which are the subject of an offering contemplated in this Base Prospectus
as completed by Final Terms, a Pricing Supplement (in the case of Exempt Notes) or a Drawdown
Prospectus in relation to the offer of those Notes may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation
arises for Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V. or any Dealer to publish a prospectus pursuant
to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the
Prospectus Regulation, in each case, in relation to such offer. Neither Compass PLC, Compass Group
Finance B.V. nor any Dealer have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of Notes in
circumstances in which an obligation arises for Compass PLC, Compass Group Finance B.V. or any Dealer
to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer.
LON56926774 021312-0516
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The Notes may not be a suitable investment for all investors. Each potential investor in the Notes must
make its own assessment as to the suitability of that investment in light of its own circumstances. In
particular, each potential investor should:
(i) have sufficient knowledge and experience to make a meaningful evaluation of the Notes, the merits
and risks of investing in the Notes and the information contained or incorporated by reference in
this base prospectus or any applicable supplement;
(ii) have access to, and knowledge of, appropriate analytical tools to evaluate, in the context of its
particular financial situation, an investment in the Notes and the impact the Notes will have on its
overall investment portfolio;
(iii) have sufficient financial resources and liquidity to bear all of the risks of an investment in the Notes,
including Notes with principal or interest payable in one or more currencies, or where the currency
for principal or interest payments is different from the potential investor's currency;
(iv) understand thoroughly the terms of the Notes and be familiar with the behaviour of any relevant
indices and financial markets; and
(v) be able to evaluate (either alone or with the help of a financial adviser) possible scenarios for
economic, interest rate and other factors that may affect its investment and its ability to bear the
applicable risks.
Some Notes are complex financial instruments. Sophisticated institutional investors generally do not
purchase complex financial instruments as stand-alone investments. They purchase complex financial
instruments as a way to reduce risk or enhance yield with an understood, measured, appropriate addition of
risk to their overall portfolios. A potential investor should not invest in Notes which are complex financial
instruments unless it has the expertise (either alone or with a financial adviser) to evaluate how the Notes
will perform under changing conditions, the resulting effects on the value of the Notes and the impact this
investment will have on the potential investor's overall investment portfolio.
In connection with the issue of any Tranche of Notes, the Dealer or Dealers (if any) acting as the
Stabilisation Manager(s) (or persons acting on behalf of any Stabilisation Manager(s)) may over allot
Notes or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the Notes at a level higher
than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur. Any
stabilisation action may begin on or after the date on which adequate public disclosure of the terms
of the offer of the relevant Tranche of Notes is made and, if begun, may cease at any time, but it must
end no later than the earlier of 30 days after the issue date of the relevant Tranche of Notes and 60
days after the date of the allotment of the relevant Tranche of Notes. Any stabilisation action or over-
allotment must be conducted by the Stabilisation Manager(s) (or persons acting on behalf of the
Stabilisation Manager(s)) in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Base Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate", "believe",
"expect", "plan", "intend", "targets", "aims", "estimate", "project", "will", "would", "may", "could",
"continue" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements
other than statements of historical fact included in this Base Prospectus, including, without limitation, those
regarding the financial position, business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations
of the Issuers and/or the Guarantor are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results,
performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those expressed or implied
by these forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are based on numerous
assumptions regarding each Issuer's and the Guarantor's present and future business strategies and the
environment in which it expects to operate in the future.
Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Issuers and/or the Guarantor speak only as at
the date they are made. The Issuers and/or the Guarantor do not undertake to update forward-looking
statements to reflect any changes in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions
or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
LON56926774 021312-0516
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GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME
This overview must be read as an introduction to this Base Prospectus and any decision to invest in the
Notes should be based on a consideration of the Base Prospectus as a whole, including any information
incorporated by reference.
Words and expressions defined in the "Terms and Conditions of the Notes" below or elsewhere in this Base
Prospectus have the same meanings in this summary.
Compass PLC Compass Group PLC
Compass Group Finance B.V. Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
Issuers: Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V.
Guarantor: Compass Group PLC (only in respect of Notes issued by
Compass Group Finance B.V.)
Risk Factors: Investing in Notes issued under the Programme involves certain
risks. The principal risk factors that may affect the abilities of
Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V. to fulfil their
respective obligations under the Notes are discussed under "Risk
Factors" below.
Arranger: Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Dealers: Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Citigroup Global Markets
Europe AG and any other Dealer appointed from time to time by
the relevant Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as the case may be,
either generally in respect of the Programme or in relation to a
particular Tranche of Notes.
Trustee: Citicorp Trustee Company Limited
Principal Paying Agent: The Bank of New York Mellon
Paying Agent and Registrar: The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg
Final Terms, Pricing Supplement
or Drawdown Prospectus:
Notes issued under the Programme may be issued either (1)
pursuant to this Base Prospectus and associated Final Terms or
(in the case of Exempt Notes) Pricing Supplement or (2)
pursuant to a Drawdown Prospectus. The terms and conditions
applicable to any particular Tranche of Notes will be the Terms
and Conditions of the Notes as completed in the relevant Final
Terms or, as the case may be supplemented, amended and/or
replaced to the extent described in the relevant Pricing
Supplement or Drawdown Prospectus.
Listing and Trading: Applications have been made for Notes (other than Exempt
Notes) to be admitted during the period of twelve months after
the date hereof to listing on the Official List of the FCA and to
trading on the Regulated Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Exempt Notes may be unlisted and/or may be admitted to trading
on a market or stock exchange (in circumstances where the
provisions of the Prospectus Regulation do not apply).
Clearing Systems: Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or, in relation to
any Tranche of Notes, any other clearing system as may be
specified in the relevant Final Terms.
LON56926774 021312-0516
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Initial Programme Amount: Up to £6,000,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies)
aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any one
time. The Programme amount may be increased at any time,
subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the Dealer
Agreement as defined under "Subscription and Sale".
Issuance in Series: Notes will be issued in Series. Each Series may comprise one or
more Tranches issued on different issue dates. The Notes of each
Series will all be subject to identical terms, except that the issue
date, the issue price and the amount of the first payment of
interest may be different in respect of different Tranches. The
Notes of each Tranche will all be subject to identical terms in all
respects save that a Tranche may comprise Notes of different
denominations.
Forms of Notes: Notes may be issued in bearer form or in registered form. Bearer
Notes (as defined below) will not be exchangeable for
Registered Notes (as defined below) and Registered Notes will
not be exchangeable for Bearer Notes. No single Series or
Tranche may comprise both Bearer Notes and Registered Notes.
Each Tranche of Bearer Notes will initially be in the form of
either a Temporary Global Note (as defined below) or a
Permanent Global Note (as defined below), in each case as
specified in the relevant Final Terms. Each Global Note will be
deposited on or around the relevant issue date with a depositary
or a common depositary for Euroclear and/or Clearstream,
Luxembourg and/or any other relevant clearing system. Each
Temporary Global Note will be exchangeable for a Permanent
Global Note or, if so specified in the relevant Final Terms, for
Definitive Notes (as defined below). If the TEFRA D Rules are
specified in the relevant Final Terms as applicable, certification
as to non-U.S. beneficial ownership will be a condition
precedent to any exchange of an interest in a Temporary Global
Note or receipt of any payment of interest in respect of a
Temporary Global Note. Each Permanent Global Note will be
exchangeable for Definitive Notes in accordance with its terms.
Definitive Notes will, if interest-bearing, have Coupons attached
and, if appropriate, a Talon for further Coupons.
Each Tranche of Registered Notes will be represented by either:
(i) Individual Note Certificates (as defined below); or
(ii) one or more Global Note Certificates (as defined below)
in the case of Registered Notes sold outside the United
States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S,
in each case as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Each Note represented by Global Note Certificate will be
registered in the name of a common depositary (or its nominee)
for Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other
relevant clearing system and the relevant Global Note Certificate
will be deposited on or about the issue date with the common
depositary.
Currencies: Notes may be denominated in sterling, euro, U.S. dollars or in
any other currency or currencies, subject to compliance with all
applicable legal and/or regulatory and/or central bank
requirements. Payments in respect of Notes may, subject to such
LON56926774 021312-0516
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compliance, be made in and/or linked to, any currency or
currencies other than the currency in which such Notes are
denominated.
Status of the Notes: Notes will be issued on an unsubordinated basis.
Issue Price: Notes will be issued at any price on a fully paid basis. The price
and amount of Notes to be issued under the Programme will be
set out in the relevant final terms.
Maturities: Any maturity, subject, in relation to specific currencies, to
compliance with all applicable legal and/or regulatory and/or
central bank requirements.
Any Notes having a maturity of less than one year must (a) have
a minimum redemption value of £100,000 (or its equivalent in
other currencies) and be issued only to persons whose ordinary
activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or
disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes
of their businesses; or who it is reasonable to expect will acquire,
hold, manage or dispose of investments (as principal or agent)
for the purposes of their businesses or (b) be issued in other
circumstances which do not constitute a contravention of section
19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended
(the "FSMA") by Compass PLC or Compass Group Finance
B.V. as applicable.
Exempt Notes: The relevant Issuer may agree with any Dealer that Exempt
Notes may be issued in a form not contemplated by the Terms
and Conditions of the Notes, in which event the relevant
provisions will be included in the applicable Pricing
Supplement.
Redemption: Notes may be redeemable at par or at such other Redemption
Amount as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms. Notes
may also be redeemable in two or more instalments on such
dates and in such manner as may be specified in the relevant
Final Terms.
Optional Redemption: Notes may be redeemed before their stated maturity at the option
of the relevant Issuer (either in whole or in part) and/or the
Noteholders to the extent (if at all) specified in the relevant Final
Terms.
Optional Redemption
(Restructuring Put Event or a
Cross Put Event)
Notes may be redeemed before their stated maturity at the option
of the Noteholders on the occurrence of a Restructuring Put
Event or a Cross Put Event as described in Condition 9(e)(ii)
(Redemption (Restructuring Put Event or a Cross Put Event)).
Tax Redemption: Except as described in "Optional Redemption" above, early
redemption will only be permitted for tax reasons as described
in Condition 9(b) (Redemption and Purchase - Redemption for
tax reasons).
Interest: Notes may be interest-bearing or non-interest bearing. Interest
(if any) may accrue at a fixed rate or at a floating rate calculated
(i) by reference to EURIBOR or LIBOR; or
(ii) in the case of Exempt Notes, on such other basis as may
be agreed by the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer,
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and the method of calculating interest may vary between the
issue date and the maturity date of the relevant Series.
Denominations: Notes will be issued in such denominations as may be specified
in the relevant Final Terms, subject to compliance with all
applicable legal and/or regulatory and/or central bank
requirements provided that Notes which are admitted to trading
on a Regulated Market in any Member State or offered to the
public in any Member State will only be issued in minimum
denominations of at least EUR 100,000 (or its equivalent in
another currency). Notes may be issued under the Programme in
minimum Specified Denominations and integral multiples in
excess thereof of another smaller amount.
Negative Pledge: The Notes will have the benefit of a negative pledge as described
in Condition 5 (Negative Pledge).
Cross Default: The Notes will have the benefit of a cross default as described
in Condition 13 (Events of Default).
Taxation: All payments in respect of Notes will be made free and clear of
withholding taxes of the United Kingdom or the Netherlands
unless (in either case) the withholding is required by law. In that
event, the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be,
will (subject as provided in Condition 12 (Taxation)) pay such
additional amounts as will result in the Noteholders receiving
such amounts as they would have received in respect of such
Notes had no such withholding been required.
Governing Law: English law.
Ratings: Notes issued under the Programme may be rated or unrated. A
rating is not a recommendation to buy, hold or sell securities and
may be subject to suspension or withdrawal at any time.
Selling Restrictions: For a description of certain restrictions on offers, sales and
deliveries of Notes and on the distribution of offering material
in the United States of America, the European Economic Area,
the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan and
Singapore see "Subscription and Sale" below.
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RISK FACTORS
The Group believes that the following factors may affect its ability to fulfil its obligations under Notes
issued under the Programme which may in turn result in investors losing the value of their investment. Most
of these factors are contingencies which may or may not occur and the Group is not in a position to express
a view on the likelihood of any such contingency occurring.
In addition, factors which are material for the purpose of assessing the market risks associated with Notes
issued under the Programme are also described below.
The Group believes that the factors described below represent the principal risks inherent in investing in
Notes issued under the Programme, but the inability of the Group to pay interest, principal or other amounts
on or in connection with any Notes may occur for other reasons and the Group does not represent that the
statements below regarding the risks of holding any Notes are exhaustive. Prospective investors should
also read the detailed information set out elsewhere in this Prospectus (including any documents
incorporated by reference herein) and reach their own views prior to making any investment decision.
Words and expressions defined in the "Terms and Conditions of the Notes" below or elsewhere in this Base
Prospectus have the same meanings in this section.
Risks Related to the Issuers and the Guarantor
COVID-19
The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s operations is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted
with confidence. The extent of any adverse impact on the Group’s operations will depend on the duration,
extent and severity of the global pandemic.
In the short-term, the pandemic has had a significant effect on the Group. By 31 March 2020, between 45
per cent. and 50 per cent of Compass Group’s operations were closed as Governments throughout the world
implemented lockdown measures to protect their populations against the spread of the virus. Dependent on
sector and region, Compass Group’s business has been re-opening since 31 March 2020, with
approximately 55 per cent. of its business open by the end of May 2020 and approximately 60 per cent.
open by the end of June 2020. The pandemic may also present some medium-term risks and opportunities
for the Group. Among other things, the Group’s management believes the pandemic may change consumer
perceptions and requirements for food, as well as the structural delivery and demand for food in certain
sectors such as Business & Industry.
The Group considers the COVID-19 pandemic to represent a stand-alone principal risk. However, to the
extent that the pandemic has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the Group’s operations
and performance, it may heighten certain risks, such as those relating to securing and retaining clients, the
execution of the Group’s commercial strategy and reliance on third-party suppliers.
Health & Safety and the Environment
Health & Safety
The health and safety of the Group's customers and its people are central to the Group's operations. The
Group is focused on protecting people's wellbeing, as well as avoiding serious business interruption and
potential damage to its reputation. The Group feeds millions of consumers, employs thousands of people
and operates in client premises in a number of different locations around the world every day. Therefore,
setting the highest standards for food hygiene and health and safety is paramount. The Group has policies,
procedures and standards in place to ensure compliance with legal obligations and industry standards.
Incurrence of significant criminal or civil liability as a consequence of the disruption of a client's operations
or injuries to consumers resulting from health and safety-related aspects of its operations could have adverse
consequences on the Group’s activities, operating margins and reputation.
Environment
The Group’s operations are required to comply with legislation concerning the protection of the
environment. The Group principally carries out its activities on its clients' sites. Activities which may have
an impact on the environment include consumption of water and energy in the course of food preparation
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and cleaning services and production of waste from food preparation and cleaning. Costs, fines, damages
and sanctions may be incurred, or interruptions may be experienced in operations, for actual or alleged
violations of environmental laws.
People
Recruitment, retention and motivation
As at 30 September 2019, the Group employed around 600,000 people worldwide. Failure to attract, recruit,
retain and motivate people with the right skills at all levels could limit the success of the Group. The Group
faces resourcing challenges in some of its businesses due to a lack of industry experience amongst
candidates and appropriately qualified people, and the seasonal nature of some of its business. The risk in
this area had increased until recently due to the continued economic and political conditions where a
combination of high employment and a shortage in the resource pool had made the labour market more
competitive, but may now and going forward be mitigated somewhat by the negative impact on employment
levels which is expected to result from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Group's business, financial
condition and operational results may be adversely affected if suitable personnel with the right skills, at all
levels of the organisation, are not recruited, trained, retained and motivated to work for the Group.
Pensions
The Group operates a number of pension schemes around the world, some of which offer defined benefits.
The Group's UK defined benefit pension scheme is closed to new entrants and future accrual has ceased in
this scheme, except in the case of transferring employees under public sector contracts in the UK where the
UK trading subsidiaries of Compass PLC are obliged to provide final salary benefits to those employees.
Steps have been taken to reduce the risk that returns on these schemes’ investments may be insufficient to
meet scheme liabilities. If such investment returns were insufficient, the Group would have to fund any
shortfall.
Clients and Consumers
Sales and retention, bidding, service delivery and contractual compliance
The Group's business relies on securing and retaining a diverse range of clients. The loss of material client
contracts in an increasingly competitive market could present a risk to the business of the Group. Each year,
the Group bids for a large number of opportunities. Its success in this regard depends on its ability to
differentiate its offers from those of its competitors and meet client expectations in service quality and
value. Failure to do so could have an adverse impact on the Group's business. In addition, the Group’s
operating companies contract with a large number of clients. Failure to comply with the terms of these
contracts, including proper delivery of services, could lead to loss of business and/or claims.
Competition and Disruption
The Group operates in a highly competitive marketplace. The levels of concentration and outsource
penetration vary by country and by sector. Some of the markets in which the Group operates are relatively
concentrated, with only two or three key players, whilst others are highly fragmented and offer more
opportunity for consolidation and penetration of the self-operated market. Aggressive pricing from the
Group's competitors could cause a reduction in the Group's revenues and margins and adversely impact
financial performance. Additionally, the emergence of new industry participants using disruptive
technology could adversely affect the Group’s business.
Suppliers
The Group has supply relationships with growers, food manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers,
which it uses for the sourcing and delivery of food and other supplies. The Group recognises that it needs
to develop long-term supply relationships whilst ensuring that such relationships are conducted on
favourable terms both as to quality and price. Although the Group seeks to avoid over-reliance on any one
supplier, distributor or logistics provider or distribution network, which in most cases are organised on a
country by country basis, sustained disruption to a major supplier which results in disruption to the supply
chain could adversely impact the financial condition and results of the Group's regional operations.
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Reputational Risk
The Group's sector and consumer brands (including Bon Appétit, Chartwells, Crothall, ESS Support
Services Worldwide, Eurest, Flik, Levy, Medirest, Morrison and Restaurant Associates) represent a key
element of its overall marketing and positioning. Damage to the Group’s reputation or to its major brands
may have an adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Economic and Political Environment
Economy
The Group segments the market and creates sectors and sub-sectors to meet the requirements of a growing
range of clients and consumers. Certain sectors of the Group's business, such as Business & Industry, could
be susceptible to adverse changes in economic conditions and employment levels. Prolonged worsening of
economic conditions have increased the risk to the Group's business in some jurisdictions, notably in Europe.
Cost inflation
Compass’ objective is to deliver the right level of service in the most efficient way. However, an increase
in the cost of labour, for example, minimum wages in the U.S. and UK, or in food costs, especially in
countries such as Brazil, could adversely affect the Group's ability to achieve this objective. Increases in
inflation have intensified cost pressures in some locations. A significant or sustained increase in input costs
to which the Group is unable to respond through cost reduction measures or price increases could have an
adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Group.
Political stability
As the Group is a global business operating in countries and regions with diverse economic and political
conditions, the Group's operations and earnings may be adversely affected by political or economic
instability caused, for example, by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (“Brexit”) or political
reform in the U.S.
Following Brexit there is significant uncertainty about the process and timeframe for withdrawal from the
European Union, the outcome of negotiations about future arrangements between the UK and the European
Union, and the period for which existing European Union laws for member states will continue to apply to
the UK. The Group views the potential impact of Brexit as an integral part of its principal risks rather than
as a stand-alone risk. The Group has identified a potential impact on its food supply chain in the UK through
potential increased import costs from weaker sterling, compounded by potential new import duties and
tariffs, and on the labour force in its UK business due to potential staff shortages and salary cost pressures.
The Group is taking actions to assess and mitigate against any such impacts. It is not yet clear what the full
impact will be whilst negotiations continue to take place. As the process of Brexit evolves, the Group will
continue to assess the impact of any resulting changes and the extent to which they affect the Group.
The Group has significant operations and a substantial employee base in North America, where the current
administration in the U.S. has initiated broad policy changes, including federal taxes and proposed tariffs
on international trade. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted in December 2017, introduced
substantial and wide-ranging changes to the U.S. federal tax system, but further clarification and regulation
may have an effect on future tax charges. The Group is monitoring developments and will continue to assess
the impact of any changes.
Political instability around the world as a result of geopolitical tensions continues to present risks to the
Group’s operations, including risks relating to new restrictions on contracting in certain jurisdictions and
to disruption in supply chains.
Compliance and Fraud
Compliance and fraud
The Group is a multinational business and is subject to regulation by governmental, competition and
regulatory bodies in a number of countries. Inadequate compliance with increasingly complex laws and
regulations, or evidence of fraud, bribery or corruption could have an adverse effect on the Group's
reputation, and on the Group's performance, could reduce Compass’ share price and could result in a loss
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of business. A failure to manage these risks could adversely affect the Group’s financial results if significant
financial penalties were to be levied or a criminal action were to be brought against the Company or its
directors.
International tax
The international corporate tax environment remains complex and an increase in audit activity from tax
authorities means that the potential for tax uncertainties and disputes remains high. In particular, the policy
efforts being led by the EU and the OECD may have a material impact on the taxation of all international
businesses, including the Group. See “Description of Compass Group PLC – Litigation” for a description
of certain of the Group’s ongoing tax litigation.
Information systems and technology
The Group relies on a variety of IT systems in order to manage and deliver services and communicate with
its customers, suppliers and employees. The digital world creates additional risks for a global business,
including technology failures, loss of confidential data and damage to reputation through, for example, the
increased and instantaneous use of social media. Disruption caused by the failure of key software
applications, security controls or underlying infrastructure could delay day-to-day operations and
management decision-making. The use of sophisticated phishing and malware attacks on businesses has
risen over the last year with an increase in the number of companies suffering operational disruption and
loss of data. The occurrence of any such failure or attack may have an adverse effect on the Group's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Financial management risks
Credit risk
At any one point in time the Group will hold a significant level of trade receivables and is therefore exposed
to the risk that it may not be able to collect the full value of its trade receivables if the creditworthiness of
its individual clients was to deteriorate. The Group's overall credit risk is limited as a result of the diverse
and unrelated nature of its client base, however, an economic downturn could affect the solvency of clients
and result in loss to the Group.
Currency fluctuations
The Group operates in a number of countries. Its operating companies will generally buy and sell goods
and services in their local currencies. However, on consolidation the local currency results and closing
balance sheets will be translated into sterling, which is the Group's reporting currency. The Group is only
partially protected from the impact of exchange rate fluctuations through the matching of cash flows to
currency borrowings. The Group's consolidated financial statements will therefore be affected by
fluctuations in the currencies of its underlying businesses.
While the Group implements currency hedging policies, the sterling value of both its net debt and operating
profits may fluctuate as exchange rates vary.
Liquidity risk
The Group raises finance in both the public markets and the US private placement market and therefore
depends on access to investors in these capital markets. The Group also uses committed and uncommitted
bank loans and other lines of credit to cover its liquidity needs. Global events have, from time to time,
resulted in the closure of the debt capital markets and a reduced capacity within the bank and private
placement market to provide credit lines or loans. Whilst the Group has successfully raised funds in the
equity markets in the past and would expect to be able to do so again, including in May 2020 when the
Group raised circa £2 billion in an equity placement, there can be no assurance that it will be able to continue
to do so.
Reduced appetite for the Group's debt instruments in such markets could limit the ability of the Group to
fund operations.
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Interest Rate Risk
The Group's debt service costs are subject to variations in the underlying interest rates. In order to mitigate
the impact of interest rate fluctuation, the Group's policy is to fix the interest rates on its principal debt
currencies so that, in the short term, it is not materially exposed to changes in interest rates. Sustained long
term increases in interest rates could adversely affect the financial position and operating results of the
Group.
Reliance upon dividend and interest income and/or loans in order to satisfy payment obligations under the
Notes and the Guarantee.
Compass PLC is the holding company of the Group. As a result, the assets of Compass PLC consist
principally of its shareholdings in and loans to other companies in the Group. The ability of Compass PLC
to satisfy payment obligations under the Notes or the Guarantee, as the case may be, is dependent upon its
receipt of dividend and interest payments from other members of the Group. Compass Finance B.V., which
is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Compass PLC, has no subsidiaries or operating activities so is
reliant upon inter-company loans and interest from Compass PLC in order to satisfy its payment obligations
under the Notes. It is intended that proceeds received by Compass Finance B.V. from Noteholders will be
lent to Compass PLC as inter-company loans and that any interest received from such loans will be used
by Compass Finance B.V. to fund payments due to Noteholders. In circumstances where one or more of
the risks referred to herein arises and adversely affects the business, financial condition or operational
results of any member of the Group there may in turn be an adverse effect on the ability of that member of
the Group to make dividend and/or interest payments to Compass PLC and/or on the ability of Compass
PLC to make interest payments to Compass Finance B.V., so as to enable Compass PLC or Compass
Finance B.V., as applicable, to satisfy its payment obligations under the Notes, or, as the case may be, under
the Guarantee.
Acquisitions and Investments
The Group may acquire businesses and it makes capital investments. Difficulties in integrating acquired
businesses, or realising the expected synergies or benefits of capital investment, may have an adverse effect
on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Factors which are material for the purpose of assessing the market risks associated with Notes issued
under the Programme
Notes subject to optional redemption by the relevant Issuer
An optional redemption feature of Notes is likely to limit their market value. During any period when the
relevant Issuer may elect to redeem Notes, the market value of those Notes generally will not rise
substantially above the price at which they can be redeemed. This also may be true prior to any redemption
period.
The relevant Issuer may be expected to redeem Notes when its cost of borrowing is lower than the interest
rate on the Notes. At those times, an investor generally would not be able to reinvest the redemption
proceeds at an effective interest rate as high as the interest rate on the Notes being redeemed and may only
be able to do so at a significantly lower rate. Potential investors should consider reinvestment risk in light
of other investments available at that time.
Notes issued at a substantial discount or premium
The market values of securities issued at a substantial discount or premium from their principal amount
tend to fluctuate more in relation to general changes in interest rates than do prices for conventional interest-
bearing securities. Generally, the longer the remaining terms of the securities, the greater the price volatility
as compared to conventional interest-bearing securities with comparable maturities.
Modification, and waivers and substitution
The Terms and Conditions of the Notes contain provisions for calling meetings of Noteholders to consider
matters affecting their interests generally. These provisions permit defined majorities to bind all
Noteholders including Noteholders who did not attend and vote at the relevant meeting and Noteholders
who voted in a manner contrary to the majority.
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The Terms and Conditions of the Notes and the Trust Deed also provide that the Trustee may, without the
consent of Noteholders, agree to (i) any modification of, or to the waiver or authorisation of any breach or
proposed breach of, any of the provisions of Notes or (ii) determine without the consent of the Noteholders
that any Event of Default or potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such or (iii) the substitution
of another company as principal debtor under any Notes in place of the relevant Issuer, in the circumstances
described in Condition 17 (Meeting of Noteholders; Modification and Waiver; Substitution) of the Terms
and Conditions of the Notes.
Change of law
The conditions of the Notes are based on English law in effect as at the date of this Base Prospectus. No
assurance can be given as to the impact of any possible judicial decision or change to English law or
administrative practice after the date of this base prospectus.
Notes where denominations involve integral multiples: definitive Notes
In relation to any issue of Notes which have denominations consisting of a minimum Specified
Denomination plus one or more higher integral multiples of another smaller amount, it is possible that such
Notes may be traded in amounts that are not integral multiples of such minimum Specified Denomination.
In such a case a holder who, as a result of trading such amounts, holds an amount which is less than the
minimum Specified Denomination in his account with the relevant clearing system at the relevant time may
not receive a definitive Note in respect of such holding (should definitive Notes be printed) and would need
to purchase a principal amount of Notes such that its holding amounts to a Specified Denomination.
If definitive Notes are issued, holders should be aware that definitive Notes which have a denomination
that is not an integral multiple of the minimum Specified Denomination may be illiquid and difficult to
trade.
The value of and return on any Notes linked to a benchmark may be adversely affected by ongoing
national and international regulatory reform in relation to benchmarks
The Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") and the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and
other indices which are deemed "benchmarks" (each a "Benchmark" and together, the "Benchmarks"), to
which the interest on securities may be linked. These Benchmarks have become the subject of regulatory
scrutiny and recent national and international regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. Some of these
reforms are already effective while others are still to be implemented.
Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1011 (the "Benchmarks Regulation") on indices used as benchmarks in
financial instruments and financial contracts or to measure the performance of investment funds became
applicable from 1 January 2018. The Benchmarks Regulation applies to the provision of benchmarks, the
contribution of input data to a benchmark and the use of a benchmark, within the EU. The Benchmark
Regulation could have a material impact on any Notes linked to LIBOR, EURIBOR or another benchmark
rate or index, in particular, if the methodology or other terms of the benchmark are changed in order to
comply with the terms of the Benchmark Regulation, and such changes could (amongst other things) have
the effect of reducing or increasing the rate or level, or affecting the volatility of the published rate or level,
of the benchmark. More broadly, any of the international, national or other proposals for reform, or the
general increased regulatory scrutiny of benchmarks, could increase the costs and risks of administering or
otherwise participating in the setting of a benchmark and complying with any such regulations or
requirements. Such factors may have the effect of discouraging market participants from continuing to
administer or contribute to certain "benchmarks," trigger changes in the rules or methodologies used in
certain "benchmarks" or lead to the discontinuance or unavailability of quotes of certain "benchmarks".
As an example of such benchmark reforms, on 27 July 2017, the UK Financial Conduct Authority
announced that it will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of the LIBOR
benchmark after 2021 and, on 12 July 2018, announced that the LIBOR benchmark may cease to be a
regulated benchmark under the Benchmark Regulation. Such announcements indicate that the continuation
of LIBOR on the current basis (or at all) cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. In addition, on 29
November 2017, the Bank of England and the FCA announced that, from January 2018, its working group
on Sterling risk free rates has been mandated with implementing a broad-based transition to the Sterling
Overnight Index Average ("SONIA") over the next four years across sterling bond, loan and derivative
markets so that SONIA is established as the primary sterling interest rate benchmark by the end of 2021.
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On 21 September 2017, the European Central Bank announced that it would be part of a new working group
tasked with the identification and adoption of a "risk free overnight rate" which can serve as a basis for an
alternative to current benchmarks used in a variety of financial instruments and contracts in the euro area.
On 13 September 2018, the working group on Euro risk-free rates recommended the new Euro short-term
rate ("€STR") as the new risk-free rate for the euro area. The €STR was published for the first time on 2
October 2019. Although EURIBOR has been reformed in order to comply with the terms of the Benchmark
Regulation, it remains uncertain as to how long it will continue in its current form, or whether it will be
further reformed or replaced with €STR or an alternative benchmark.
The elimination of the LIBOR benchmark or any other benchmark, or changes in the manner of
administration of any benchmark, could require or result in an adjustment to the interest calculation
provisions of the Conditions (as further described in Condition 7(j) (Benchmark Discontinuation)), or result
in adverse consequences to holders of any Notes linked to such benchmark (including Floating Rate Notes
whose interest rates are linked to LIBOR, EURIBOR or any other such benchmark that is subject to reform).
Furthermore, even prior to the implementation of any changes, uncertainty as to the nature of alternative
reference rates and as to potential changes to such benchmark may adversely affect such benchmark during
the term of the relevant Notes, the return on the relevant Notes and the trading market for securities
(including the Notes) based on the same benchmark.
The "Terms and Conditions of the Notes" provide for certain fallback arrangements in the event that a
published benchmark, such as LIBOR, (including any page on which such benchmark may be published
(or any successor service)) becomes unavailable, including the possibility that the rate of interest could be
set by reference to a successor rate or an alternative rate and that such successor rate or alternative reference
rate may be adjusted (if required) in order to reduce or eliminate, to the extent reasonably practicable in the
circumstances, any economic prejudice or benefit (as applicable) to investors arising out of the replacement
of the relevant benchmark, although the application of such adjustments to the Notes may not achieve this
objective. Any such changes may result in the Notes performing differently (which may include payment
of a lower interest rate) than if the original benchmark continued to apply. In certain circumstances the
ultimate fallback of interest for a particular Interest Period may result in the rate of interest for the last
preceding Interest Period being used. This may result in the effective application of a fixed rate for Floating
Rate Notes based on the rate which was last observed on the Relevant Screen Page. In addition, due to the
uncertainty concerning the availability of successor rates and alternative reference rates and the
involvement of an Independent Adviser (as defined in the Conditions), the relevant fallback provisions may
not operate as intended at the relevant time.
Any such consequences could have a material adverse effect on the trading market for, liquidity of, value
of and return on any such Notes. Moreover, any of the above matters or any other significant change to the
setting or existence of any relevant reference rate could result in no Benchmarks being published or
available which could affect the ability of the relevant Issuer to meet its obligations under the Floating Rate
Notes. Investors should consider these matters when making their investment decision with respect to the
relevant Floating Rate Notes.
Exchange rate risks and exchange controls
The relevant Issuer, or, as the case may be, the Guarantor, will pay principal and interest on the Notes in
the Specified Currency. This presents certain risks relating to currency conversions if an investor's financial
activities are denominated principally in a currency or currency unit (the "Investor's Currency") other
than the Specified Currency. These include the risk that exchange rates may significantly change (including
changes due to devaluation of the Specified Currency or revaluation of the Investor's Currency) and the risk
that authorities with jurisdiction over the Investor's Currency may impose or modify exchange controls. An
appreciation in the value of the Investor's Currency relative to the Specified Currency would decrease (1)
the Investor's Currency-equivalent yield on the Notes, (2) the Investor's Currency equivalent value of the
principal payable on the Notes and (3) the Investor's Currency equivalent market value of the Notes.
Government and monetary authorities may impose (as some have done in the past) exchange controls that
could adversely affect an applicable exchange rate. As a result, investors may receive less interest or
principal than expected, or no interest or principal.
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Interest rate risks
Investment in Fixed Rate Notes involves the risk that subsequent changes in market interest rates may
adversely affect the value of the Fixed Rate Notes.
Credit ratings may not reflect all risks
One or more independent credit rating agencies may assign credit ratings to the Notes. The ratings may not
reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure, market, additional factors discussed above, and
other factors that may affect the value of the Notes. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or
hold securities and may be revised or withdrawn by the rating agency at any time.
In respect of any Notes issued with a specific use of proceeds, such as a Sustainable Bond, there can be
no assurance that such use of proceeds will be suitable for the investment criteria of an investor
The Final Terms relating to any specific Tranche of Notes may provide that it will be the relevant Issuer’s
intention to apply the proceeds from an offer of those Notes specifically for projects and activities that
promote green and/or social and/or sustainable purposes (either in those words or otherwise) ("Sustainable
Projects"). Prospective investors should have regard to the information in the relevant Final Terms
regarding such use of proceeds and must determine for themselves the relevance of such information for
the purpose of any investment in such Notes together with any other investigation such investor deems
necessary. In particular no assurance is given by the relevant Issuer and, in the case of Notes issued by
Compass Group Finance B.V., the Guarantor that the use of such proceeds for any Sustainable Projects will
satisfy, whether in whole or in part, any present or future investor expectations or requirements as regards
any investment criteria or guidelines with which such investor or its investments are required to comply,
whether by any present or future applicable law or regulations or by its own by-laws or other governing
rules or investment portfolio mandates (in particular with regard to any direct or indirect environmental,
sustainability or social impact of any projects or uses, the subject of or related to, the relevant Sustainable
Project). Furthermore, it should be noted that there is currently no clearly defined definition (legal,
regulatory or otherwise) of, nor market consensus as to what constitutes, a “green”, “social” or “sustainable”
or an equivalently-labelled project or as to what precise attributes are required for a particular project to be
defined as “green”, “social” or “sustainable” or such other equivalent label nor can any assurance be given
that such a clear definition or consensus will develop over time. Accordingly, no assurance is or can be
given to investors that any projects or uses the subject of, or related to, any Sustainable Projects will meet
any or all investor expectations regarding such “green”, “social”, “sustainable” or other equivalently
labelled performance objectives or that any adverse environmental, social and/or other impacts will not
occur during the implementation of any projects or uses the subject of, or related to, any Sustainable
Projects.
No assurance or representation is given as to the suitability or reliability for any purpose whatsoever of any
opinion or certification of any third party (whether or not solicited by the relevant Issuer or, in the case of
Notes issued by Compass Group Finance B.V., the Guarantor) which may be made available in connection
with the issue of any Notes and in particular with any Sustainable Projects to fulfil any environmental,
sustainability, social and/or other criteria. For the avoidance of doubt, any such opinion or certification is
not, nor shall be deemed to be, incorporated in and/or form part of this Base Prospectus. Any such opinion
or certification is not, nor should be deemed to be, a recommendation by the relevant Issuer or, in the case
of Notes issued by Compass Group Finance B.V., the Guarantor, or any other person to buy, sell or hold
any such Notes. Any such opinion or certification is only current as of the date that such opinion or
certification was initially issued. Prospective investors must determine for themselves the relevance of any
such opinion or certification and/or the information contained therein and/or the provider of such opinion
or certification for the purpose of any investment in such Notes. Currently, the providers of such opinions
and certifications are not subject to any specific regulatory or other regime or oversight.
In the event that any such Notes are listed or admitted to trading on any dedicated “green”, “social”,
“sustainable” or other equivalently-labelled segment of any stock exchange or securities market (whether
or not regulated), no representation or assurance is given by the relevant Issuer or, in the case of Notes
issued by Compass Group Finance B.V., the Guarantor, or any other person that such listing or admission
satisfies, whether in whole or in part, any present or future investor expectations or requirements as regards
any investment criteria or guidelines with which such investor or its investments are required to comply,
whether by any present or future applicable law or regulations or by its own by-laws or other governing
rules or investment portfolio mandates, in particular with regard to any direct or indirect environmental,
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sustainability or social impact of any projects or uses, the subject of or related to, any Sustainable Projects.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the criteria for any such listings or admission to trading may vary from
one stock exchange or securities market to another. Nor is any representation or assurance given or made
by the relevant Issuer or, in the case of Notes issued by Compass Group Finance B.V., the Guarantor, or
any other person that any such listing or admission to trading will be obtained in respect of any such Notes
or, if obtained, that any such listing or admission to trading will be maintained during the life of the Notes.
While it is the intention of the relevant Issuer to apply the proceeds of any Notes so specified for Sustainable
Projects in, or substantially in, the manner described in the relevant Final Terms, there can be no assurance
that the relevant intended project(s) or use(s) the subject of, or related to, any Sustainable Projects will be
capable of being implemented in or substantially in such manner and/or in accordance with any timing
schedule and that accordingly such proceeds will be totally disbursed for the specified Sustainable Projects.
Nor can there be any assurance that such Sustainable Projects will be completed within any specified period
or at all or with the results or outcome (whether or not related to the environment) as originally expected
or anticipated by the relevant Issuer. Any such event or failure by the relevant Issuer will not constitute an
Event of Default under the Notes.
Any such event or failure to apply the proceeds of any issue of Notes for any Sustainable Projects as
aforesaid and/or withdrawal of any such opinion or certification or any such opinion or certification
attesting that the relevant Issuer is not complying in whole or in part with any matters for which such
opinion or certification is opining or certifying on and/or any such Notes no longer being listed or admitted
to trading on any stock exchange or securities market as aforesaid may have a material adverse effect on
the value of such Notes and also potentially the value of any other Notes which are intended to finance
Sustainable Projects and/or result in adverse consequences for certain investors with portfolio mandates to
invest in securities to be used for a particular purpose.
Investors should carefully consider these matters when making their investment decision with respect to
any such Notes.
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INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following information shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and to form part of, this Base Prospectus:
1. the audited consolidated financial statements of Compass PLC, which have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") (including the auditors'
report thereon and notes thereto) in respect of the years ended 30 September 2018 and 30
September 2019 (set out on pages 102 to 182 and pages 131 to 224, respectively, of the 2018 and
2019 annual reports of such Issuer) and the reconciliation of alternative performance measures:
EBITDA and Gross CAPEX on page 35 of Compass PLC’s 2019 annual report;
2. the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Compass PLC for the six months ended
31 March 2020 (set out under the heading "Independent review report to Compass Group PLC"
and the condensed consolidated financial statements following such report including the notes
thereto, of its half year results announcement published on 19 May 2020);
3. the audited financial statements of Compass Group Finance B.V., which have been prepared in
accordance with IFRS (including the auditors' report therein and notes thereto) in respect of the
period ended 30 September 2019 (set out on pages 6 to 27 of the 2019 annual report of such Issuer);
4. the terms and conditions set out on pages 23 to 49 of the Base Prospectus relating to the Programme
dated 14 January 2014 (the "2014 Conditions ");
5. the terms and conditions set out on pages 24 to 52 of the Base Prospectus relating to the Programme
dated 31 May 2017 (the "2017 Conditions");
6. the terms and conditions set out on pages 25 to 53 of the Base Prospectus relating to the Programme
dated 19 July 2018 (the "2018 Conditions").
Copies of the documents specified above as containing information incorporated by reference in this Base
Prospectus may be inspected, free of charge, at the registered office of Compass PLC and at:
- in the case of the annual reports, at https://www.compass-group.com/en/investors/annual-
reports.html;
- in the case of Compass PLC’s unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, at
https://www.compass-group.com/en/investors/results-and-presentations.html;
- in the case of Compass Group Finance B.V.’s audited financial statements, at
https://www.compass-group.com/en/investors/compass-group-finance-netherlands-b-v-.html; and
- in the case of terms and conditions, at https://www.compass-group.com/en/investors/compass-
group-finance-netherlands-b-v-.html.
Any documents themselves incorporated by reference in the documents incorporated by reference in this
Base Prospectus shall not form part of this Base Prospectus. Any information contained in any of the
documents specified above which is not incorporated by reference in this Base Prospectus is either not
relevant to investors or is covered elsewhere in this Base Prospectus and, for the avoidance of doubt, unless
specifically incorporated by reference into this base prospectus, information contained on the website does
not form part of this Base Prospectus.
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FINAL TERMS, PRICING SUPPLEMENT AND DRAWDOWN PROSPECTUSES
In this section the expression "necessary information" means, in relation to any Tranche of Notes, the
necessary information which is material to an investor for making an informed assessment of the assets and
liabilities, financial position, profits and losses and prospects of the Issuers and the Guarantor, as the case
may be, and of the rights attaching to the Notes and the Guarantee, as the case may be and the reasons for
the issuance and its impact on the Issuer. In relation to the different types of Notes which may be issued
under the Programme by Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V., each Issuer and the Guarantor,
as the case may be, have endeavoured to include in this Base Prospectus all of the necessary information
except for information relating to the Notes which is not known at the date of this Base Prospectus and
which can only be determined at the time of an individual issue of a Tranche of Notes.
Any information relating to the Notes which is not included in this Base Prospectus and which is required
in order to complete the necessary information in relation to a Tranche of Notes will be contained either in
the relevant Final Terms, Pricing Supplement or in a Drawdown Prospectus. Such information will be
contained in the relevant Final Terms or Pricing Supplement unless any of such information constitutes a
significant new factor relating to the information contained in this Base Prospectus in which case such
information, together with all of the other necessary information in relation to the relevant series of Notes
(other than Exempt Notes), may be contained in a Drawdown Prospectus.
For a Tranche of Notes which is the subject of Final Terms or a Pricing Supplement, those Final Terms or
that Pricing Supplement will, for the purposes of that Tranche only, complete this Base Prospectus and
must be read in conjunction with this Base Prospectus. The terms and conditions applicable to any particular
Tranche of Notes which is the subject of Final Terms are the Conditions of the Notes as completed to the
extent described in the relevant Final Terms and the terms and conditions applicable to any particular
tranche of Notes which is the subject of a Pricing Supplement are the Conditions of the Notes as completed,
modified or superseded by the relevant Pricing Supplement.
The terms and conditions applicable to any particular Tranche of Notes which is the subject of a Drawdown
Prospectus will be the Conditions as supplemented, amended and/or replaced to the extent described in the
relevant Pricing Supplement or Drawdown Prospectus. In the case of a Tranche of Notes which is the
subject of a Pricing Supplement or Drawdown Prospectus, each reference in this Base Prospectus to
information being specified or identified in the relevant Final Terms shall be read and construed as a
reference to such information being specified or identified in the relevant Pricing Supplement or Drawdown
Prospectus unless the context requires otherwise.
Each Drawdown Prospectus will be constituted either (1) by a single document containing the necessary
information relating to Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V. and the relevant Notes or (2) by a
registration document (the "Registration Document") containing the necessary information relating to
Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V., a securities note (the "Securities Note") containing the
necessary information relating to the relevant Notes and, if necessary, a summary note. In addition, if the
Drawdown Prospectus is constituted by a Registration Document and a Securities Note, any significant new
factor, material mistake or inaccuracy relating to the information included in the Registration Document
which arises or is noted between the date of the Registration Document and the date of the Securities Note
which is capable of affecting the assessment of the relevant Notes will be included in the Securities Note.
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FORMS OF THE NOTES
Bearer Notes
Each Tranche of Notes in bearer form ("Bearer Notes") will initially be in the form of either a temporary
global note in bearer form (the "Temporary Global Note"), without interest coupons, or a permanent
global note in bearer form (the "Permanent Global Note"), without interest coupons, in each case as
specified in the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement. Each
Temporary Global Note or, as the case may be, Permanent Global Note (each a "Global Note") which is
not intended to be issued in new global note ("NGN") form, as specified in the relevant Final Terms, will
be deposited on or around the issue date of the relevant Tranche of the Notes with a depositary or a common
depositary for Euroclear Bank SA/NV ("Euroclear") and/or Clearstream Banking S.A. ("Clearstream,
Luxembourg") and/or any other relevant clearing system. and each Global Note which is intended to be
issued in NGN form, as specified in the relevant Final Terms, will be deposited on or around the issue date
of the relevant Tranche of the Notes with a common safekeeper for Euroclear and/or Clearstream,
Luxembourg.
On 13 June 2006 the European Central Bank (the "ECB") announced that Notes in NGN form are in
compliance with the "Standards for the use of EU securities settlement systems in ESCB credit operations"
of the central banking system for the euro (the "Eurosystem"), provided that certain other criteria are
fulfilled. At the same time the ECB also announced that arrangements for Notes in NGN form will be
offered by Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg as of 30 June 2006 and that debt securities in global
bearer form issued through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg after 31 December 2006 will only be
eligible as collateral for Eurosystem operations if the NGN form is used.
In the case of each Tranche of Bearer Notes, the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant
Pricing Supplement will also specify whether United States Treasury Regulation §1.163 -5(c)(2)(i)(C) (the
"TEFRA C Rules") or United States Treasury Regulation §1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D) (the "TEFRA D Rules")
are applicable in relation to the Notes or that neither the TEFRA C Rules nor the TEFRA D Rules are
applicable.
Temporary Global Note exchangeable for Permanent Global Note
If the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies the form of
Notes as being "Temporary Global Note exchangeable for a Permanent Global Note", then the Notes will
initially be in the form of a Temporary Global Note which will be exchangeable, in whole or in part, for
interests in a Permanent Global Note, without interest coupons, not earlier than 40 days after the issue date
of the relevant Tranche of the Notes upon certification as to non-U.S. beneficial ownership. No payments
will be made under the Temporary Global Note unless exchange for interests in the Permanent Global Note
is improperly withheld or refused. In addition, interest payments in respect of the Notes cannot be collected
without such certification of non-U.S. beneficial ownership.
Whenever any interest in the Temporary Global Note is to be exchanged for an interest in a Permanent
Global Note, the relevant Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall procure (in the case of first
exchange) the prompt delivery (free of charge to the bearer) of such Permanent Global Note, duly
authenticated and, in the case of an NGN, effectuated, to the bearer of the Temporary Global Note or (in
the case of any subsequent exchange) an increase in the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note in
accordance with its terms against:
(i) presentation and (in the case of final exchange) surrender of the Temporary Global Note to or to
the order of the Principal Paying Agent; and
(ii) receipt by the Principal Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates of non-U.S. beneficial
ownership,
within 7 days of the bearer requesting such exchange.
Temporary Global Note exchangeable for Definitive Notes
If the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies the form of
Notes as being "Temporary Global Note exchangeable for Definitive Notes" and also specifies that the
TEFRA C Rules are applicable or that neither the TEFRA C Rules nor the TEFRA D Rules are applicable,
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then the Notes will initially be in the form of a Temporary Global Note which will be exchangeable, in
whole but not in part, for Bearer Notes in definitive form ("Definitive Notes") not earlier than 40 days after
the issue date of the relevant Tranche of the Notes.
If the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies the form of
Notes as being "Temporary Global Note exchangeable for Definitive Notes" and also specifies that the
TEFRA D Rules are applicable, then the Notes will initially be in the form of a Temporary Global Note
which will be exchangeable, in whole or in part, for Definitive Notes not earlier than 40 days after the issue
date of the relevant Tranche of the Notes upon certification as to non-U.S. beneficial ownership. Interest
payments in respect of the Notes cannot be collected without such certification of non-U.S. beneficial
ownership.
Whenever the Temporary Global Note is to be exchanged for Definitive Notes, the relevant Issuer and/or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall procure the prompt delivery (free of charge to the bearer) of such
Definitive Notes, duly authenticated and with Coupons and Talons attached (if so specified in the relevant
Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement), in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Temporary Global Note to the bearer of the Temporary Global Note
against the surrender of the Temporary Global Note to or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent within
30 days of the bearer requesting such exchange.
Permanent Global Note exchangeable for Definitive Notes
If the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies the form of
Notes as being "Permanent Global Note exchangeable for Definitive Notes", then the Notes will initially
be in the form of a Permanent Global Note which will only be exchangeable in whole, but not in part, for
Definitive Notes:
(i) on the expiry of such period of notice as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms or, as the
case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement; or
(ii) if the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies "in
the limited circumstances described in the Permanent Global Note", then only if one of the
following events occurs:
(a) Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system permanently
ceases its business without appointing a successor entity; or
(b) the relevant Issuer requests an exchange following a change in tax law that would be
adverse to such Issuer but for the issuance of Definitive Notes; or
(c) any of the circumstances described in Condition 13 (Events of Default) occurs and is
continuing.
Whenever the Permanent Global Note is to be exchanged for Definitive Notes, the relevant Issuer and/or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall procure the prompt delivery (free of charge to the bearer) of such
Definitive Notes, duly authenticated and with Coupons and Talons attached (if so specified in the relevant
Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement), in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note to or to the order of the bearer of the Permanent
Global Note against the surrender of the Permanent Global Note to or to the order of the Principal Paying
Agent within 45 days of the bearer requesting such exchange.
Terms and Conditions applicable to the Notes
The terms and conditions applicable to any Definitive Note will be endorsed on that Note and will consist
of the terms and conditions set out under "Terms and Conditions of the Notes" below and the provisions of
the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement which supplement, amend
and/or replace those terms and conditions.
The terms and conditions applicable to any Note in global form will differ from those terms and conditions
which would apply to the Note were it in definitive form to the extent described under "Summary of
Provisions Relating to the Notes while in Global Form" below.
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Legend concerning United States persons
In the case of any Tranche of Notes considered to be in bearer form for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
the Notes in global form, the Notes in definitive form and any Coupons and Talons appertaining thereto
will bear a legend to the following effect:
"Any United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of the United States) who holds this
obligation, directly or indirectly, will be subject to limitations under the United States income tax laws,
including the limitations provided in Sections 165(j) and 1287(a) of the Internal Revenue Code."
Registered Notes
Each Tranche of Notes in registered form ("Registered Notes") will be represented by either:
(i) individual Note Certificates in registered form ("Individual Note Certificates"); or
(ii) one or more global note certificates ("Global Note Certificate(s)"),
in each case as specified in the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement.
If the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies the form of
Notes as being "Individual Note Certificates", then the Notes will at all times be represented by Individual
Note Certificates issued to each Noteholder in respect of their respective holdings. Each Global Note
Certificate will be deposited on or around the issue date of the relevant Tranche of the Notes with a
depositary or a common depositary for Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other
relevant clearing system and registered in the name of the common depositary (or its nominee) for Euroclear
and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other relevant clearing system.
Global Note Certificate exchangeable for Individual Note Certificates
If the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies the form of
Notes as being "Global Note Certificate exchangeable for Individual Note Certificates", then the Notes will
initially be represented by one or more Global Note Certificates each of which will be exchangeable in
whole, but not in part, for Individual Note Certificates:
(i) on the expiry of such period of notice as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms or, as the
case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement; or
(ii) if the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing Supplement specifies "in
the limited circumstances described in the Global Note Certificate", then if either of the following
events occurs:
(a) Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system is closed for
business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or
otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or has in fact done so
and no alternative clearing system satisfactory to the Trustee is available; or
(b) any of the circumstances described in Condition 13 (Events of Default) occurs.
Whenever a Global Note Certificate is to be exchanged for Individual Note Certificates, each person having
an interest in a Global Note Certificate must provide the Registrar (through the relevant clearing system)
with such information as the relevant Issuer and the Registrar may require to complete and deliver
Individual Note Certificates (including the name and address of each person in which the Notes represented
by the Individual Note Certificates are to be registered and the principal amount of each such person's
holding).
Whenever a Global Note Certificate is to be exchanged for Individual Note Certificates, the relevant Issuer
and/or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall procure that Individual Note Certificates will be issued in
an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Note Certificate within five
business days of the delivery, by or on behalf of the registered holder of the Global Note Certificate to the
Registrar of such information as is required to complete and deliver such Individual Note Certificates
against the surrender of the Global Note Certificate at the specified office of the Registrar.
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Such exchange will be effected in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Deed and the Agency
Agreement and the regulations concerning the transfer and registration of Notes scheduled to the Agency
Agreement and, in particular, shall be effected without charge to any holder, but against such indemnity as
the Registrar may require in respect of any tax or other duty of whatsoever nature which may be levied or
imposed in connection with such exchange.
Terms and Conditions applicable to the Notes
The terms and conditions applicable to any Individual Note Certificate will be endorsed on that Individual
Note Certificate and will consist of the terms and conditions set out under "Terms and Conditions of the
Notes" below and the provisions of the relevant Final Terms or, as the case may be, the relevant Pricing
Supplement which supplement, amend and/or replace those terms and conditions.
The terms and conditions applicable to any Global Note or Global Note Certificate will differ from those
terms and conditions which would apply to the Note were it in definitive form to the extent described under
"Summary of Provisions Relating to the Notes while in Global Form" below.
Summary of Provisions relating to the Notes while in Global Form
Clearing System Accountholders
In relation to any Tranche of Notes represented by a Global Note, references in the Terms and Conditions
of the Notes to "Noteholder" are references to the bearer of the relevant Global Note which, for so long as
the Global Note is held by a depositary or a common depositary or, in the case of an NGN, a common
safekeeper, for Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other relevant clearing system, will
be that depositary or common depositary.
In relation to any Tranche of Notes represented by one or more Global Note Certificates, references in the
Terms and Conditions of the Notes to "Noteholder" are references to the person in whose name the relevant
Global Note Certificate is for the time being registered in the Register which is held by or on behalf of a
depositary or a common depositary for Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other
relevant clearing system, will be that depositary or common depositary or a nominee for that depositary or
common depositary.
Each of the persons shown in the records of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other relevant
clearing system as being entitled to an interest in a Global Note or a Global Note Certificate (each an
"Accountholder") must look solely to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or such other relevant
clearing system (as the case may be) for such Accountholder's share of each payment made by the relevant
Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, to the holder of such Global Note or Global Note Certificate
and in relation to all other rights arising under such Global Note or Global Note Certificate. The extent to
which, and the manner in which, Accountholders may exercise any rights arising under a Global Note or
Global Note Certificate will be determined by the respective rules and procedures of Euroclear and
Clearstream, Luxembourg and any other relevant clearing system from time to time. For so long as the
relevant Notes are represented by a Global Note or Global Note Certificate, Accountholders shall have no
claim directly against the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, in respect of payments due
under the Notes and such obligations of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, will be
discharged by payment to the holder of such Global Note or Global Note Certificate.
Transfers of Interests in Global Notes and Global Note Certificates
Transfers of interests in Global Notes and Global Note Certificates within Euroclear and Clearstream,
Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system will be in accordance with their respective rules and
operating procedures. None of the Issuers, the Guarantor, as the case may be, the Trustee, the Registrar, the
Dealers or the Agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of Euroclear and
Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system or any of their respective participants
relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Note or Global Note
Certificate or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of Euroclear and Clearstream,
Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system or the records of their respective participants relating to
such beneficial ownership interests.
The laws of some states of the United States require that certain persons receive individual certificates in
respect of their holdings of Notes. Consequently, the ability to transfer interests in a Global Note Certificate
LON56926774 021312-0516
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to such persons will be limited. Because clearing systems only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act
on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having an interest in a Global Note Certificate to
pledge such interest to persons or entities which do not participate in the relevant clearing systems, or
otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of an Individual Note
Certificate representing such interest.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Registered Notes described under
"Transfer Restrictions", transfers Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg accountholders will be effected
by the relevant clearing systems in accordance with their respective rules and through action taken by the
Registrar and the Principal Paying Agent.
For a further description of restrictions on the transfer of Notes, see "Subscription and Sale" and "Transfer
Restrictions".
While a Global Note Certificate is lodged with Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any relevant
clearing system, Individual Note Certificates for the relevant Series of Notes will not be eligible for clearing
and settlement through such clearing systems.
Conditions applicable to Global Notes and Global Note Certificates
Each Global Note and Global Note Certificate will contain provisions which modify the Terms and
Conditions of the Notes as they apply to the Global Note or Global Note Certificate. The following is a
summary of certain of those provisions:
Payments: All payments in respect of the Global Note or Global Note Certificate which, according to the
Terms and Conditions of the Notes, require presentation and/or surrender of a Note, Note Certificate or
Coupon will be made against presentation and (in the case of payment of principal in full with all interest
accrued thereon) surrender of the Global Note or Global Note Certificate to or to the order of any Paying
Agent and will be effective to satisfy and discharge the corresponding liabilities of the relevant Issuer or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, in respect of the Notes. On each occasion on which a payment of principal
or interest is made in respect of the Global Note, the relevant Issuer, or the Guarantor, as the case may be,
shall procure that payment is noted in a schedule thereto or, in respect of an NGN, the payment is entered
pro rata in the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg.
Exercise of put option: In order to exercise the option contained in Condition 9(e) (Redemption at the option
of Noteholders) the bearer of a Permanent Global Note or the holder of a Global Note Certificate must,
within the period specified in the Conditions for the deposit of the relevant Note and put notice, give written
notice of such exercise to the Principal Paying Agent specifying the principal amount of Notes in respect
of which such option is being exercised. Any such notice will be irrevocable and may not be withdrawn.
Partial exercise of call option: In connection with an exercise of the option contained in Condition 9(c)
(Redemption at the option of the Issuer) in relation to some only of the Notes, the Permanent Global Note
or Global Note Certificate may be redeemed in part in the principal amount specified by the relevant Issuer
in accordance with the Conditions and the Notes to be redeemed will not be selected as provided in the
Conditions but in accordance with the rules and procedures of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg
(to be reflected in the records of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as either a pool factor or a
reduction in principal amount, at their discretion).
Notices: Notwithstanding Condition 20 (Notices), while all the Notes are represented by a Permanent
Global Note (or by a Permanent Global Note and/or a Temporary Global Note) or a Global Note Certificate
and the Permanent Global Note is (or the Permanent Global Note and/or the Temporary Global Note are),
or the Global Note Certificate is deposited with a depositary or a common depositary for Euroclear and/or
Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other relevant clearing system, notices to Noteholders may be given
by delivery of the relevant notice to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other relevant
clearing system and, in any case, such notices shall be deemed to have been given to the Noteholders in
accordance with Condition 20 (Notices) on the date of delivery to Euroclear and/or Clearstream,
Luxembourg and/or any other relevant clearing system.
Record Date: Each payment in respect of a Global Note Certificate will be made to the person shown as
the Holder in the Register at the close of business (in the relevant clearing system) on the Clearing System
Business Day before the due date for such payment (the "Record Date") where "Clearing System Business
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Day" means a day on which each clearing system for which the Global Note Certificate is being held is
open for business.
Payment Business Day: Notwithstanding the definition of "Payment Business Day" in Condition 2(a)
(Definitions), while all the Notes are represented by a Permanent Global Note (or by a Permanent Global
Note and/or a Temporary Global Note) or a Global Note Certificate and the Permanent Global Note is (or
the Permanent Global Note and/or the Temporary Global Note are), or the Global Note Certificate is
deposited with a depositary or a common depositary for Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or
any other relevant clearing system, "Payment Business Day" means:
(a) if the currency of payment is euro, any day which is a TARGET Settlement Day and a day on
which dealings in foreign currencies may be carried on in each (if any) Additional Financial Centre;
or
(b) if the currency of payment is not euro, any day which is a day on which dealings in foreign
currencies may be carried on in the Principal Financial Centre of the currency of payment and in
each (if any) Additional Financial Centre.
Eurosystem Eligibility
Where the Global Notes or the Global Certificates issued in respect of any Tranche are in NGN form,
Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg will be notified as to whether or not such Global Notes or Global
Certificates are intended to be held in a manner which would allow Eurosystem eligibility. Any indication
that the Global Notes or Global Certificates are to be so held does not necessarily mean that the Notes of
the relevant Tranche will be recognised as eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary policy and intra-day
credit operations by the Eurosystem either upon issue or at any times during their life as such recognition
depends upon satisfaction of the Eurosystem eligibility criteria. The Common Safekeeper for NGNs will
either be Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or another entity approved by Euroclear and Clearstream,
Luxembourg, as indicated in the applicable Final Terms.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES
The following is the text of the terms and conditions which, as completed by the relevant Final Terms or,
as the case may be, completed, amended and/or replaced by the relevant Pricing Supplement, will be
endorsed on each Note in definitive form issued under the Programme. The terms and conditions applicable
to any Note in global form will differ from those terms and conditions which would apply to the Note were
it in definitive form to the extent described under "Summary of Provisions Relating to the Notes while in
Global Form" elsewhere in the Base Prospectus. Part A of the relevant Pricing Supplement in relation to
any Tranche of Exempt Notes may specify other terms and conditions which shall, to the extent so specified
or to the extent inconsistent with the following Terms and Conditions, replace or modify the following
Terms and Conditions for the purpose of such Notes.
1. Introduction
(a) Programme: Compass Group PLC ("Compass PLC") and Compass Group Finance Netherlands
B.V. ("Compass Group Finance B.V.") (each, if so specified in the relevant Final Terms/or
Pricing Supplement, the "Issuer") have established a Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the
"Programme") for the issuance by the Issuers of up to £6,000,000,000 in aggregate principal
amount of notes (the "Notes") guaranteed, in respect of notes issued by Compass Group Finance
B.V., by Compass PLC (in such capacity, the "Guarantor", and such Notes, the "Guaranteed
Notes"). The Issuers may issue Notes under the Programme for which no prospectus is required to
be published under the Prospectus Regulation (the "Exempt Notes").
(b) Final Terms: Notes issued under the Programme are issued in series (each a "Series") and each
Series may comprise one or more tranches (each a "Tranche") of Notes. Each Tranche is the
subject of a final terms (the "Final Terms") which supplements these terms and conditions (the
"Conditions") provided that, in the case of (i) a Tranche of Exempt Notes which is the subject of
a pricing supplement (a "Pricing Supplement") or (ii) a Tranche of Notes which is the subject of
a separate prospectus specific to that Tranche of Notes (a "Drawdown Prospectus"), each
reference to Final Terms or to information being specified or identified in the relevant Final terms
shall be read and construed as a reference to the Pricing Supplement or Drawdown Prospectus or
to such information being specified or identified in the relevant Pricing Supplement or Drawdown
Prospectus unless the context requires otherwise. The terms and conditions applicable to any
particular Tranche of Notes are these Conditions as completed by the relevant Final Terms.
(c) Trust Deed: The Notes are constituted by, are subject to, and have the benefit of, an amended and
restated trust deed dated 25 August 2020 (as further amended or supplemented from time to time,
the "Trust Deed") between the Issuers, the Guarantor and Citicorp Trustee Company Limited as
trustee (the "Trustee", which expression includes all persons for the time being trustee or trustees
appointed under the Trust Deed).
(d) Agency Agreement: The Notes are the subject of an amended and restated issue and paying agency
agreement dated 25 August 2020 (as further amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Agency Agreement") between the Issuers, the Guarantor, The Bank of New York Mellon,
London Branch as principal paying agent (the "Principal Paying Agent") and transfer agent (the
"Transfer Agent"), which expression includes any successor principal paying agent and transfer
agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), The Bank of New York Mellon
SA/NV Luxembourg as paying agent (the "Paying Agent") and registrar (the "Registrar", which
expression includes any successor paying agent and registrar appointed from time to time in
connection with the Notes), the paying agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying
Agent, the "Paying Agents", which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents
appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), the transfer agents named therein
(together with the Registrar, the "Transfer Agents", which expression includes any successor or
additional transfer agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the
Trustee. In these Conditions references to the "Agents" are to the Paying Agents and the Transfer
Agents and any reference to an "Agent" is to any one of them.
(e) The Notes: The Notes may be issued in bearer form ("Bearer Notes"), or in registered form
("Registered Notes"). All subsequent references in these Conditions to "Notes" are to the Notes
which are the subject of the relevant Final Terms. Copies of the relevant Final Terms are available
for viewing at the Specified Office of the Principal Paying Agent and copies may be obtained from
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One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AL save that, if a Note is neither admitted to
trading on a regulated market in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom nor offered
in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom in circumstances where a prospectus is
required to be published under the Prospectus Regulation (including Exempt Notes), the relevant
Final Terms will only be available to a Noteholder holding one or more such Notes upon such
Noteholder producing evidence as to identity satisfactory to the Principal Paying Agent. Copies of
each Final Terms relating to Notes offered to the public in a Member State (other than pursuant to
one or more of the exemptions set out in Article 1.4 of the Prospectus Regulation) or admitted to
trading on a regulated market in a Member State of the European Economic Area or the United
Kingdom will be available on the website of the Regulatory News Service operated by the London
Stock Exchange at www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-
newshome.html.
(f) Summaries: Certain provisions of these Conditions are summaries of the Trust Deed and the
Agency Agreement and are subject to their detailed provisions. Noteholders and the holders of the
related interest coupons, if any, (the "Couponholders" and the "Coupons", respectively) are
bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and the Agency
Agreement applicable to them. Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available
for inspection by Noteholders during normal business hours at the Specified Offices of each of the
Agents, the initial Specified Offices of which are set out below.
2. Interpretation
(a) Definitions: In these Conditions the following expressions have the following meanings:
"Accrual Yield" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Additional Business Centre(s)" means the city or cities specified as such in the relevant Final
Terms;
"Additional Financial Centre(s)" means the city or cities specified as such in the relevant Final
Terms;
"Business Day" means:
(a) in relation to any sum payable in euro, a TARGET Settlement Day and a day on which
commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments generally in each (if any)
Additional Business Centre; and
(b) in relation to any sum payable in a currency other than euro, a day on which commercial
banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments generally in the Principal Financial
Centre of the relevant currency and in each (if any) Additional Business Centre;
"Business Day Convention", in relation to any particular date, has the meaning given in the
relevant Final Terms and, if so specified in the relevant Final Terms, may have different meanings
in relation to different dates and, in this context, the following expressions shall have the following
meanings:
(a) "Following Business Day Convention" means that the relevant date shall be postponed
to the first following day that is a Business Day;
(b) "Modified Following Business Day Convention" or "Modified Business Day
Convention" means that the relevant date shall be postponed to the first following day
that is a Business Day unless that day falls in the next calendar month in which case that
date will be the first preceding day that is a Business Day;
(c) "Preceding Business Day Convention" means that the relevant date shall be brought
forward to the first preceding day that is a Business Day;
(d) "FRN Convention", "Floating Rate Convention" or "Eurodollar Convention" means
that each relevant date shall be the date which numerically corresponds to the preceding
such date in the calendar month which is the number of months specified in the relevant
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Final Terms as the Specified Period after the calendar month in which the preceding such
date occurred provided, however, that:
(i) if there is no such numerically corresponding day in the calendar month in which
any such date should occur, then such date will be the last day which is a Business
Day in that calendar month;
(ii) if any such date would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, then
such date will be the first following day which is a Business Day unless that day
falls in the next calendar month, in which case it will be the first preceding day
which is a Business Day; and
(iii) if the preceding such date occurred on the last day in a calendar month which was
a Business Day, then all subsequent such dates will be the last day which is a
Business Day in the calendar month which is the specified number of months after
the calendar month in which the preceding such date occurred; and
(e) "No Adjustment" means that the relevant date shall not be adjusted in accordance with
any Business Day Convention;
"Calculation Agent" means the Principal Paying Agent or such other Person specified in the
relevant Final Terms as the party responsible for calculating the Rate(s) of Interest and Interest
Amount(s) and/or such other amount(s) as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms;
"Calculation Amount" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Consolidated Net Worth" means at any time the amount as then disclosed in the latest audited
consolidated accounts of Compass PLC as paid up or credited as paid up on the issued share capital
of Compass PLC, plus the consolidated capital reserves (including any asset revaluation reserves)
of Compass PLC and its Subsidiary Undertakings plus the consolidated retained earnings of
Compass PLC and its Subsidiary Undertakings (or, if appropriate, less the amount standing to the
debt of the consolidated profit and loss account of Compass PLC and its Subsidiary Undertakings)
plus the amount, if any, by which in the reasonable opinion of the Directors of Compass PLC (and
as shall have been stated in the report of the Directors accompanying those audited consolidated
accounts or a certificate signed by an authorised signatory and dated not more than three months
prior to the occurrence of the event or the existence of the circumstance which without the inclusion
of such amount would constitute a Restructuring Event), based upon the results of the valuation of
all or a representative sample of the relevant property or category of property undertaken by a
chartered surveyor in accordance with the applicable guidelines for the time being of the Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the open market value of the real property or any category of
real property of Compass PLC and/or any of its Subsidiary Undertakings exceeds the amount
shown in those audited consolidated accounts as the net book value thereof, less any amount
included in the above which is attributable to minority interests and intangible assets (other than
goodwill calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United
Kingdom consistently applied);
"Coupon Sheet" means, in respect of a Note, a coupon sheet relating to the Note;
"Day Count Fraction" means, in respect of the calculation of an amount for any period of time
(the "Calculation Period"), such day count fraction as may be specified in these Conditions or the
relevant Final Terms and:
(a) if "Actual/Actual (ICMA)" is so specified, means:
(i) where the Calculation Period is equal to or shorter than the Regular Period during
which it falls, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by the
product of (1) the actual number of days in such Regular Period and (2) the
number of Regular Periods in any year; and
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(ii) where the Calculation Period is longer than one Regular Period, the sum of:
(A) the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the
Regular Period in which it begins divided by the product of (1) the actual
number of days in such Regular Period and (2) the number of Regular
Periods in any year; and
(B) the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the next
Regular Period divided by the product of (a) the actual number of days
in such Regular Period and (2) the number of Regular Periods in any
year;
(b) if "Actual/365" or "Actual/Actual (ISDA)" is so specified, means the actual number of
days in the Calculation Period divided by 365 (or, if any portion of the Calculation Period
falls in a leap year, the sum of (A) the actual number of days in that portion of the
Calculation Period falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (B) the actual number of days
in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a non-leap year divided by 365);
(c) if "Actual/365 (Fixed)" is so specified, means the actual number of days in the Calculation
Period divided by 365;
(d) if "Actual/360" is so specified, means the actual number of days in the Calculation Period
divided by 360;
(e) if "30/360" is so specified, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360,
calculated on a formula basis as follows:
Day Count fraction =[360 × (𝑌2 − 𝑌1) + (𝑀2 − 𝑀1)] + (𝐷2 − 𝐷1)
360
where:
"Y1" is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
"Y2" is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day
included in the Calculation Period falls;
"M1" is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation
Period falls;
"M2" is the calendar month, expressed as number, in which the day immediately following the
last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
"D1" is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such
number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and
"D2" is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included
in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31 and D1 is greater than 29, in
which case D2 will be 30";
provided, however, that in each such case the number of days in the Calculation Period is
calculated from and including the first day of the Calculation Period to but excluding the last day
of the Calculation Period;
"Early Redemption Amount (Tax)" means, in respect of any Note, its principal amount or such
other amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the relevant Final Terms;
"Early Termination Amount" means, in respect of any Note, its principal amount or such other
amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, these Conditions or the relevant
Final Terms;
"EURIBOR" means, in respect of any specified currency and any specified period, the interest
rate benchmark known as the Euro zone interbank offered rate which is calculated and published
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by a designated distributor (currently Thomson Reuters) in accordance with the requirements from
time to time of the European Banking Federation based on estimated interbank borrowing rates for
a number of designated currencies and maturities which are provided, in respect of each such
currency, by a panel of contributor banks (details of historic EURIBOR rates can be obtained from
the designated distributor);
"Extraordinary Resolution" has the meaning given in the Trust Deed;
"Existing Holder" means a holder of Compass PLC's issue of €500,000,000 1,875 per cent. Notes
due 2023 issued 27 June 2014 and £250,000,000 3.85 per cent. Notes due 2026 issued 27 June
2014;
"Final Redemption Amount" means, in respect of any Note, its principal amount or such other
amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the relevant Final Terms;
"First Interest Payment Date" means the date specified in the relevant Final Terms;
"Fixed Coupon Amount" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Guarantee" and "Guarantee of the Notes" each means the guarantee of the Notes given by the
Guarantor in the Trust Deed;
"Group" means Compass PLC and its Subsidiaries from time to time;
"Holder", in the case of Bearer Notes, has the meaning given in Condition 3(b) (Form,
Denomination, Title and Transfer - Title to Bearer Notes) and, in the case of Registered Notes, has
the meaning given in Condition 3(d) (Form, Denomination, Title and Transfer - Title to Registered
Notes);
"Interest Amount" means, in relation to a Note and an Interest Period, the amount of interest
payable in respect of that Note for that Interest Period;
"Interest Commencement Date" means the Issue Date of the Notes or such other date as may be
specified as the Interest Commencement Date in the relevant Final Terms;
"Interest Determination Date" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Interest Payment Date" means the First Interest Payment Date and any date or dates specified
as such in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant Final Terms and, if a
Business Day Convention is specified in the relevant Final Terms:
(a) as the same may be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day Convention;
or
(b) if the Business Day Convention is the FRN Convention, Floating Rate Convention or
Eurodollar Convention and an interval of a number of calendar months is specified in the
relevant Final Terms as being the Specified Period, each of such dates as may occur in
accordance with the FRN Convention, Floating Rate Convention or Eurodollar
Convention at such Specified Period of calendar months following the Interest
Commencement Date (in the case of the first Interest Payment Date) or the previous
Interest Payment Date (in any other case);
"Interest Period" means each period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement
Date or any Interest Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next Interest Payment Date;
"ISDA Definitions" means the 2006 ISDA Definitions (as amended and updated as at the date of
issue of the first Tranche of the Notes of the relevant Series (as specified in the relevant Final
Terms) as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.);
"Issue Date" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"LIBOR" means the interest rate benchmark known as the London interbank offered rate
administered by the British Bankers Association (or any other person which takes over the
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 31 -
administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on pages LIBOR01 or
LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate) or on
the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time
in place of Reuters (details of historic LIBOR rates can be obtained from Reuters or the designated
information service from time to time);
"Liabilities" means any loss, damage, cost, charge, claim, demand, expense, judgment, action,
proceeding or other liability whatsoever (including, without limitation, in respect of taxes, duties,
levies, imposts and other charges) and including any value added tax or similar tax charged or
chargeable in respect thereof and legal fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis;
"London Business Day" means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks and
foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business in London;
"Margin" has the meaning given to it in the relevant Final Terms;
"Material Subsidiary" means at any time (A) any Subsidiary of Compass PLC whose turnover or
whose Gross Assets represent 10 per cent. or more of the consolidated turnover or, as the case may
be, consolidated Gross Assets of the Group determined by reference to the latest published audited
consolidated accounts of Compass PLC and the accounts of such Subsidiary (consolidated in the
case of a Subsidiary which itself has Subsidiaries) upon which the latest audited accounts have
been based and (B) in the case of such a transfer as is referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) of
Condition 13 (Events of Default), each transferee which is a Subsidiary of Compass PLC, as from
the effective date of such transfer (provided that the Subsidiary which so transfers its business,
undertaking or assets shall (unless it would still qualify as a Material Subsidiary under (A) above)
cease to be a Material Subsidiary from such effective date) but not (unless such transferee
Subsidiary would otherwise be a Material Subsidiary by virtue of (A) above) beyond the date of
the publication by Compass PLC of the audited accounts in respect of the financial year beginning
after that in which the effective date of such transfer occurs, all as more particularly defined in the
Trust Deed. For the purposes of this definition, "Gross Assets" shall mean net property, plant and
equipment, intangible assets excluding goodwill, and current and non-current assets excluding
intra-group items and investments. A report by an authorised signatory of Compass PLC that, in
his or her opinion, a Subsidiary is or is not a Material Subsidiary shall, in the absence of manifest
error, be conclusive and binding on all parties;
"Maturity Date" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Maximum Redemption Amount" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Minimum Redemption Amount" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Noteholder", in the case of Bearer Notes, has the meaning given in Condition 3(b) (Form,
Denomination, Title and Transfer - Title to Bearer Notes) and, in the case of Registered Notes, has
the meaning given in Condition 3(d) (Form, Denomination, Title and Transfer - Title to Registered
Notes);
"Optional Redemption Amount (Call)" means, in respect of any Note, its principal amount or
such other amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the relevant Final
Terms;
"Optional Redemption Amount (Put)" means, in respect of any Note, its principal amount or
such other amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the relevant Final
Terms;
"Optional Redemption Date (Call)" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Optional Redemption Date (Put)" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Participating Member State" means a Member State of the European Communities which
adopts the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with the Treaty;
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"Payment Business Day" means:
(a) if the currency of payment is euro, any day which is:
(i) a day on which banks in the relevant place of presentation are open for
presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign
currencies; and
(ii) in the case of payment by transfer to an account, a TARGET Settlement Day and
a day on which dealings in foreign currencies may be carried on in each (if any)
Additional Financial Centre; or
(b) if the currency of payment is not euro, any day which is:
(i) a day on which banks in the relevant place of presentation are open for
presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign
currencies; and
(ii) in the case of payment by transfer to an account, a day on which dealings in
foreign currencies may be carried on in the Principal Financial Centre of the
currency of payment and in each (if any) Additional Financial Centre;
"Permitted Disposal" means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposal by the Issuer, the Guarantor
(if applicable), or any Material Subsidiary, by one or more transactions or a series of transactions
(whether related or not), of the whole or any part of the business, undertaking or assets of the
Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable), or such Material Subsidiary, or any interest therein or the
entry into by the Issuers, the Guarantor (if applicable), or any Material Subsidiary of any contract
so to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose, subject to such sale, lease, transfer or other disposal
or series of transactions (whether related or not):
(a) being at no less than the book value thereof or, if lower, the market value thereof (whether
or not for cash consideration) or otherwise on arm's length terms; or
(b) being previously approved in writing by the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of
the Noteholders;
"Person" means any individual, company, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture,
association, organisation, state or agency of a state or other entity, whether or not having separate
legal personality;
"Principal Financial Centre" means, in relation to any currency, the principal financial centre for
that currency provided, however, that:
(a) in relation to euro, it means the principal financial centre of such Member State of the
European Communities as is selected (in the case of a payment) by the payee or (in the
case of a calculation) by the Calculation Agent; and
(b) in relation to Australian dollars, it means either Sydney or Melbourne and, in relation to
New Zealand dollars, it means either Wellington or Auckland; in each case as is selected
(in the case of a payment) by the payee or (in the case of a calculation) by the Calculation
Agent;
"Prospectus Regulation" means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended or superseded;
"Put Option Notice" means a notice which must be delivered to a Paying Agent by any Noteholder
wanting to exercise a right to redeem a Note at the option of the Noteholder;
"Put Option Receipt" means a receipt issued by a Paying Agent to a depositing Noteholder upon
deposit of a Note with such Paying Agent by any Noteholder wanting to exercise a right to redeem
a Note at the option of the Noteholder;
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"Rate of Interest" means the rate or rates (expressed as a percentage per annum) of interest payable
in respect of the Notes specified in the relevant Final Terms or calculated or determined in
accordance with the provisions of these Conditions and/or the relevant Final Terms;
"Rated Securities" means (a) the Notes, or (b) such other comparable long-term unsubordinated
unsecured debt of the Issuer selected by such Issuer from time to time for the purposes of this
definition which possesses an investment grade rating by any Rating Agency;
"Rating Agency" means S&P Global Ratings Europe Limited, UK Branch and its successors or
Moody's Investors Service Ltd. and its successors or any rating agency of equivalent international
standing substituted for either of them by Compass PLC from time to time;
"Rating Downgrade" shall be deemed to have occurred in respect of a Restructuring Event if
within a period ending 90 days after a public announcement of the Restructuring Event having
occurred (or such longer period in which the Rated Securities are under consideration (announced
publicly within the first-mentioned period) for rating review by a Rating Agency the rating
assigned to the Rated Securities by any Rating Agency immediately prior to the Restructuring
Event is withdrawn or reduced from an investment grade rating (Baa3/BBB– (or their respective
equivalents for the time being) or better) to a non-investment grade rating (Ba1/BB+ (or their
respective equivalents for the time being) or worse) provided that a Rating Downgrade otherwise
arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect
of a particular Restructuring Event if the Rating Agency making the reduction in rating to which
this definition would otherwise apply does not announce or confirm that the reduction was the
result, in whole or part, of any event or circumstance comprised in or arising as a result of the
applicable Restructuring Event;
"Redemption Amount" means, as appropriate, the Final Redemption Amount, the Early
Redemption Amount (Tax), the Optional Redemption Amount (Call), the Optional Redemption
Amount (Put), the Early Termination Amount or such other amount in the nature of a redemption
amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant
Final Terms;
"Reference Banks" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms or, if none, four major
banks selected by the Issuer and provided to the Calculation Agent in the market that the Issuer (in
consultation with the Calculation Agent) considers is most closely connected with the Reference
Rate;
"Reference Price" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Reference Rate" means EURIBOR or LIBOR as specified in the relevant Final Terms in respect
of the currency and period specified in the relevant Final Terms or, in the case of Exempt Notes,
such other rate specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement;
"Regular Period" means:
(a) in the case of Notes where interest is scheduled to be paid only by means of regular
payments, each period from and including the Interest Commencement Date to but
excluding the first Interest Payment Date and each successive period from and including
one Interest Payment Date to but excluding the next Interest Payment Date;
(b) in the case of Notes where, apart from the first Interest Period, interest is scheduled to be
paid only by means of regular payments, each period from and including a Regular Date
falling in any year to but excluding the next Regular Date, where "Regular Date" means
the day and month (but not the year) on which any Interest Payment Date falls; and
(c) in the case of Notes where, apart from one Interest Period other than the first Interest
Period, interest is scheduled to be paid only by means of regular payments, each period
from and including a Regular Date falling in any year (or, in the case of the first Interest
Period, the Interest Commencement Date) to but excluding the next Regular Date, where
"Regular Date" means the day and month (but not the year) on which any Interest
Payment Date falls other than the Interest Payment Date falling at the end of the irregular
Interest Period.
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"Relevant Date" means, in relation to any payment, whichever is the later of (a) the date on which
the payment in question first becomes due and (b) if the full amount payable has not been received
in the Principal Financial Centre of the currency of payment by the Principal Paying Agent or the
Trustee on or prior to such due date, the date on which (the full amount having been so received)
notice to that effect has been given to the Noteholders;
"Relevant Financial Centre" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Relevant Indebtedness" means any indebtedness which (i) is in the form of or represented by
bonds, notes, loan stock, depositary receipts or other securities issued otherwise than to constitute
or represent advances made by banks and/or other lending institutions; and (ii) at its date of issue
is, or is intended by the Issuer thereof to become, quoted, listed, traded or dealt in on any stock
exchange, over-the-counter market or other securities market;
"Relevant Screen Page" means the page, section or other part of a particular information service
(including, without limitation, Reuters) specified as the Relevant Screen Page in the relevant Final
Terms, or such other page, section or other part as may replace it on that information service or
such other information service, in each case, as may be nominated by the Person providing or
sponsoring the information appearing there for the purpose of displaying rates or prices comparable
to the Reference Rate;
"Relevant Time" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Reserved Matter" means any proposal to change any date fixed for payment of principal or
interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date
in respect of the Notes, to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of
the Notes or the date for any such payment, to change the currency of any payment under the Notes
or to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an
Extraordinary Resolution;
"Restructuring Event" shall be deemed to have occurred at each time (whether or not approved
by the Board of Directors of Compass PLC) that:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert (as defined in the City Code on Takeovers and
Mergers), or any persons acting on behalf of any such person(s), at any time is/are or
become(s) interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006) in (a)
more than 50 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of Compass PLC or (b) shares
in the capital of Compass PLC carrying more than 50 per cent of the voting rights normally
exercisable at a general meeting of Compass PLC; or
(ii) otherwise than to a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Compass PLC or to Compass PLC,
Compass PLC and/or any or its Subsidiaries sells, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes
or is dispossessed by any means of the whole or a substantial part of its, or, as the case
may be, their undertaking or (except in the ordinary course of business of Compass PLC
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole) property or assets, whether by a single transaction
or by a number of transactions whether related or not occurring within any period of twelve
months, and where the undertaking (or part thereof) or property or assets so disposed of
or of which it or they, as the case may be, are dispossessed when taken together constitute
the whole or a majority of the assets of Compass PLC and its Subsidiaries taken together;
or
(iii) Compass PLC pays or declares a dividend or makes a distribution to shareholders or any
class of them generally of cash, securities (other than irredeemable share capital of
Compass PLC) or any other property which, in any case, when taken together with the
effect of all similar transactions during the period of twelve months immediately preceding
such event, would cause the aggregate value of such dividends and/or distributions to
exceed 50 per cent of the Consolidated Net Worth; or
(iv) in any twelve month period ending after the Issue Date of the first Tranche of the relevant
Series of Notes Compass PLC purchases 50 per cent or more of its ordinary shares; or
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(v) otherwise than in the ordinary course of business of Compass PLC and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the giving of the Guarantee by
Compass PLC), Compass PLC or any of its Subsidiaries acquires (directly or indirectly)
otherwise than from a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Compass PLC or from Compass PLC,
or provides any financial assistance (directly or indirectly) by way of (a) a loan, gift,
guarantee, security, indemnity, release, waiver or any agreement to fulfil or assume any
obligations of or corresponding with the obligations of any person or (b) any other means
whereby Consolidated Net Worth is or is reasonably likely to be reduced to a material
extent, to any person, other than Compass PLC or any wholly-owned Subsidiary, for the
purpose of any acquisition of, any assets where the acquisition cost of such assets or (in
the case of the giving of financial assistance) the value of such financial assistance, when
taken together with the aggregate acquisition cost of all other assets so acquired plus the
aggregate value of all other financial assistance so given in the twelve months immediately
preceding that acquisition or the giving of that financial assistance, exceeds 50 per cent of
Consolidated Net Worth;
"Security Interest" means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other security interest including,
without limitation, anything analogous to any of the foregoing under the laws of any jurisdiction;
"Specified Currency" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Specified Denomination(s)" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Specified Office" has the meaning given in the Agency Agreement;
"Specified Period" has the meaning given in the relevant Final Terms;
"Subsidiary" means a subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1159 of the United Kingdom
Companies Act 2006;
"Subsidiary Undertaking" means, in relation to a company, a subsidiary undertaking within the
meaning of section 1162 of the Companies Act 2006 for the time being of that company whose
affairs are required to be consolidated in the audited consolidated accounts of that company;
"Sustainable Projects" means projects and activities that promote climate friendly and/or other
environmental and/or social purposes (either in those words or otherwise);
"Talon" means a talon for further Coupons;
"TARGET2" means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express
Transfer payment system which utilises a single shared platform and which was launched on 19
November 2007;
"TARGET Settlement Day" means any day on which TARGET2 is open for the settlement of
payments in euro;
"Treaty" means the Treaty establishing the European Union, as amended; and
"Zero Coupon Note" means a Note specified as such in the relevant Final Terms.
(b) Interpretation: In these Conditions:
(i) if the Notes are Zero Coupon Notes, references to Coupons and Couponholders are not
applicable;
(ii) if Talons are specified in the relevant Final Terms as being attached to the Notes at the
time of issue, references to Coupons shall be deemed to include references to Talons;
(iii) if Talons are not specified in the relevant Final Terms as being attached to the Notes at the
time of issue, references to Talons are not applicable;
(iv) any reference to principal shall be deemed to include the Redemption Amount, any
additional amounts in respect of principal which may be payable under Condition 12
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(Taxation), any premium payable in respect of a Note and any other amount in the nature
of principal payable pursuant to these Conditions;
(v) any reference to interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts in respect of
interest which may be payable under Condition 12 (Taxation) and any other amount in the
nature of interest payable pursuant to these Conditions;
(vi) references to Notes being "outstanding" shall be construed in accordance with the Trust
Deed;
(vii) if an expression is stated in Condition 2(a) to have the meaning given in the relevant Final
Terms, but the relevant Final Terms gives no such meaning or specifies that such
expression is "not applicable" then such expression is not applicable to the Notes; and
(viii) any reference to the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement shall be construed as a reference
to the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement, as the case may be, as amended and/or
supplemented up to and including the Issue Date of the Notes.
3. Form, Denomination, Title and Transfer
(a) Bearer Notes: Bearer Notes are in the Specified Denomination(s) with Coupons and, if specified
in the relevant Final Terms, Talons attached at the time of issue. In the case of a Series of Bearer
Notes with more than one Specified Denomination, Bearer Notes of one Specified Denomination
will not be exchangeable for Bearer Notes of another Specified Denomination.
(b) Title to Bearer Notes: Title to Bearer Notes and the Coupons will pass by delivery. In the case of
Bearer Notes, "Holder" means the holder of such Bearer Note and "Noteholder" and
"Couponholder" shall be construed accordingly.
(c) Registered Notes: Registered Notes are in the Specified Denomination(s), which may include a
minimum denomination specified in the relevant Final Terms and higher integral multiples of a
smaller amount specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(d) Title to Registered Notes: The Registrar will maintain the register in accordance with the provisions
of the Agency Agreement. A certificate (each, a "Note Certificate") will be issued to each Holder
of Registered Notes in respect of its registered holding. Each Note Certificate will be numbered
serially with an identifying number which will be recorded in the Register. In the case of Registered
Notes, "Holder" means the person in whose name such Registered Note is for the time being
registered in the Register (or, in the case of a joint holding, the first named thereof) and
"Noteholder" shall be construed accordingly.
(e) Ownership: The Holder of any Note or Coupon shall (except as otherwise required by law) be
treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any
notice of ownership, trust or any other interest therein, any writing thereon or, in the case of
Registered Notes, on the Note Certificate relating thereto (other than the endorsed form of transfer)
or any notice of any previous loss or theft thereof) and no Person shall be liable for so treating such
Holder. No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of any Note under the
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
(f) Transfers of Registered Notes: Subject to paragraphs (i) (Closed periods) and (j) (Regulations
concerning transfers and registration) below, a Registered Note may be transferred upon surrender
of the relevant Note Certificate, with the endorsed form of transfer duly completed, at the Specified
Office of the Registrar or any Transfer Agent, together with such evidence as the Registrar or (as
the case may be) such Transfer Agent may require to prove the title of the transferor and the
authority of the individuals who have executed the form of transfer; provided, however, that a
Registered Note may not be transferred unless the principal amount of Registered Notes transferred
and (where not all of the Registered Notes held by a Holder are being transferred) the principal
amount of the balance of Registered Notes not transferred are Specified Denominations. Where
not all the Registered Notes represented by the surrendered Note Certificate are the subject of the
transfer, a new Note Certificate in respect of the balance of the Registered Notes will be issued to
the transferor.
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(g) Registration and delivery of Note Certificates: Within five business days of the surrender of a Note
Certificate in accordance with paragraph (f) (Transfers of Registered Notes) above, the Registrar
will register the transfer in question and deliver a new Note Certificate of a like principal amount
to the Registered Notes transferred to each relevant Holder at its Specified Office or (as the case
may be) the Specified Office of any Transfer Agent or (at the request and risk of any such relevant
Holder) by uninsured first class mail (airmail if overseas) to the address specified for the purpose
by such relevant Holder. In this paragraph, "business day" means a day on which commercial
banks are open for general business (including dealings in foreign currencies) in the city where the
Registrar or (as the case may be) the relevant Transfer Agent has its Specified Office.
(h) No charge: The transfer of a Registered Note will be effected without charge by or on behalf of
the Issuer or the Registrar or any Transfer Agent but against such indemnity as the Registrar or (as
the case may be) such Transfer Agent may require in respect of any tax or other duty of whatsoever
nature which may be levied or imposed in connection with such transfer.
(i) Closed periods: Noteholders may not require transfers to be registered during the period of 15 days
ending on the due date for any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Registered Notes.
(j) Regulations concerning transfers and registration: All transfers of Registered Notes and entries
on the Register are subject to the detailed regulations concerning the transfer of Registered Notes
scheduled to the Agency Agreement. The regulations may be changed by the Issuer with the prior
written approval of the Registrar. A copy of the current regulations will be mailed (free of charge)
by the Registrar to any Noteholder who requests in writing a copy of such regulations.
4. Status and Guarantee of the Notes
(a) Status: The Notes constitute direct, unconditional, unsubordinated and (subject to the provisions
of Condition 5 (Negative Pledge)) unsecured obligations of the Issuer and will rank pari passu
among themselves and (save for certain obligations required to be preferred by law) equally with
all other unsecured (subject as aforesaid) obligations (other than subordinated obligations, if any)
of the Issuer, from time to time outstanding.
(b) Guarantee of the Notes: The Guarantor has in the Trust Deed unconditionally and irrevocably
guaranteed the due and punctual payment of all sums from time to time payable by Compass Group
Finance B.V. in respect of the Guaranteed Notes. This Guarantee of the Guaranteed Notes
constitutes direct, general and unconditional obligations of the Guarantor which will at all times
rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured obligations of the Guarantor,
save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of
general application.
5. Negative Pledge
So long as any of the Notes remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed), the Issuer and (if
applicable) the Guarantor, shall not, and Compass PLC, (as Issuer or as Guarantor as the case may
be), shall procure that no Material Subsidiary shall, create or permit to subsist any mortgage,
charge, pledge, encumbrance or lien (other than a lien arising by operation of law) upon the whole
or any part of its property, assets or revenues, present or future, to secure (i) payment of any
Relevant Indebtedness or (ii) any payment under any guarantee or indemnity granted by the Issuer,
or any Material Subsidiary in respect of any Relevant Indebtedness without in any such case at the
same time according to the Notes, the Coupons and all amounts payable under the Trust Deed
(unless they have already been so accorded) to the satisfaction of the Trustee the same security as
is created or subsisting to secure any such Relevant Indebtedness, guarantee or indemnity or such
other security as the Trustee shall in its absolute discretion deem not materially less beneficial to
the Noteholders or as shall be approved by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust
Deed) of the Noteholders.
6. Fixed Rate Note Provisions
(a) Application: This Condition 6 (Fixed Rate Note Provisions) is applicable to the Notes only if the
Fixed Rate Note Provisions are specified in the relevant Final Terms as being applicable.
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(b) Accrual of interest: The Notes bear interest from the Interest Commencement Date at the Rate of
Interest payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date, subject as provided in Condition 10
(Payments - Bearer Notes) and Condition 11 (Payments - Registered Notes). Each Note will cease
to bear interest from the due date for final redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment of
the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, in which case it will continue to bear
interest in accordance with this Condition 6 (as well after as before judgment) until whichever is
the earlier of (i) the day on which all sums due in respect of such Note up to that day are received
by or on behalf of the relevant Noteholder and (ii) the day which is seven days after the Principal
Paying Agent or the Trustee has notified the Noteholders that it has received all sums due in respect
of the Notes up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent default in
payment).
(c) Fixed Coupon Amount: The amount of interest payable in respect of each Note for any Interest
Period shall be the relevant Fixed Coupon Amount and, if the Notes are in more than one Specified
Denomination, shall be the relevant Fixed Coupon Amount in respect of the relevant Specified
Denomination.
(d) Calculation of interest amount: The amount of interest payable in respect of each Note for any
period for which a Fixed Coupon Amount is not specified shall be calculated by applying the Rate
of Interest to the Calculation Amount, multiplying the product by the relevant Day Count Fraction,
rounding the resulting figure to the nearest sub-unit of the Specified Currency (half a sub-unit being
rounded upwards) and multiplying such rounded figure by a fraction equal to the Specified
Denomination of such Note divided by the Calculation Amount. For this purpose a "sub-unit"
means, in the case of any currency other than euro, the lowest amount of such currency that is
available as legal tender in the country of such currency and, in the case of euro, means one cent.
7. Floating Rate Note Provisions
(a) Application: This Condition 7 (Floating Rate Note Provisions) is applicable to the Notes only if
the Floating Rate Note Provisions are specified in the relevant Final Terms as being applicable.
(b) Accrual of interest: The Notes bear interest from the Interest Commencement Date at the Rate of
Interest payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date, subject as provided in Condition 10
(Payments - Bearer Notes) and Condition 11 (Payments - Registered Notes). Each Note will cease
to bear interest from the due date for final redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment of
the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, in which case it will continue to bear
interest in accordance with this Condition (as well after as before judgment) until whichever is the
earlier of (i) the day on which all sums due in respect of such Note up to that day are received by
or on behalf of the relevant Noteholder and (ii) the day which is seven days after the Principal
Paying Agent has notified the Noteholders that it has received all sums due in respect of the Notes
up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent default in payment).
(c) Screen Rate Determination: If Screen Rate Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms
as the manner in which the Rate(s) of Interest is/are to be determined, the Rate of Interest applicable
to the Notes for each Interest Period will be determined by the Calculation Agent on the following
basis:
(i) if the Reference Rate is a composite quotation or customarily supplied by one entity, the
Calculation Agent will determine the Reference Rate which appears on the Relevant
Screen Page as of the Relevant Time on the relevant Interest Determination Date;
(ii) in any other case, the Calculation Agent will determine the arithmetic mean of the
Reference Rates which appear on the Relevant Screen Page as of the Relevant Time on
the relevant Interest Determination Date;
(iii) if, in the case of (i) above, such rate does not appear on that page or, in the case of (ii)
above, fewer than two such rates appear on that page or if, in either case, the Relevant
Screen Page is unavailable, the Calculation Agent will:
(A) request the principal Relevant Financial Centre office of each of the Reference
Banks to provide a quotation of the Reference Rate at approximately the Relevant
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Time on the Interest Determination Date to prime banks in the Relevant Financial
Centre interbank market in an amount that is representative for a single
transaction in that market at that time; and
(B) determine the arithmetic mean of such quotations; and
(iv) if fewer than two such quotations are provided as requested, the Calculation Agent will
determine the arithmetic mean of the rates (being the nearest to the Reference Rate, as
determined by the Calculation Agent) quoted by major banks in the Principal Financial
Centre of the Specified Currency, selected by the Calculation Agent, at approximately
11.00 a.m. (local time in the Principal Financial Centre of the Specified Currency) on the
first day of the relevant Interest Period for loans in the Specified Currency to leading
European banks for a period equal to the relevant Interest Period and in an amount that is
representative for a single transaction in that market at that time,
and the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period shall be the sum of the Margin and the rate or (as
the case may be) the arithmetic mean so determined; provided, however, that if the Calculation
Agent is unable to determine a rate or (as the case may be) an arithmetic mean in accordance with
the above provisions in relation to any Interest Period, the Rate of Interest applicable to the Notes
during such Interest Period will be the sum of the Margin and the rate or (as the case may be) the
arithmetic mean last determined in relation to the Notes in respect of a preceding Interest Period.
(d) ISDA Determination: If ISDA Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner
in which the Rate(s) of Interest is/are to be determined, the Rate of Interest applicable to the Notes
for each Interest Period will be the sum of the Margin and the relevant ISDA Rate where "ISDA
Rate" in relation to any Interest Period means a rate equal to the Floating Rate (as defined in the
ISDA Definitions) that would be determined by the Calculation Agent under an interest rate swap
transaction if the Calculation Agent were acting as Calculation Agent for that interest rate swap
transaction under the terms of an agreement incorporating the ISDA Definitions and under which:
(i) the Floating Rate Option (as defined in the ISDA Definitions) is as specified in the relevant
Final Terms;
(ii) the Designated Maturity (as defined in the ISDA Definitions) is a period specified in the
relevant Final Terms; and
(iii) the relevant Reset Date (as defined in the ISDA Definitions) is either (A) if the relevant
Floating Rate Option is based on the LIBOR or on the EURIBOR for a currency, the first
day of that Interest Period or (B) in any other case, as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(e) Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest: If any Maximum Rate of Interest or Minimum Rate of
Interest is specified in the relevant Final Terms, then the Rate of Interest shall in no event be greater
than the maximum or be less than the minimum so specified.
(f) Calculation of Interest Amount: The Calculation Agent will, as soon as practicable after the time
at which the Rate of Interest is to be determined in relation to each Interest Period, calculate the
Interest Amount payable in respect of each Note for such Interest Period. The Interest Amount will
be calculated by applying the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period to the Calculation Amount,
multiplying the product by the relevant Day Count Fraction, rounding the resulting figure to the
nearest sub-unit of the Specified Currency (half a sub-unit being rounded upwards) and multiplying
such rounded figure by a fraction equal to the Specified Denomination of the relevant Note divided
by the Calculation Amount. For this purpose a "sub-unit" means, in the case of any currency other
than euro, the lowest amount of such currency that is available as legal tender in the country of
such currency and, in the case of euro, means one cent.
(g) Calculation of other amounts: If the relevant Final Terms specifies that any other amount is to be
calculated by the Calculation Agent, the Calculation Agent will, as soon as practicable after the
time or times at which any such amount is to be determined, calculate the relevant amount. The
relevant amount will be calculated by the Calculation Agent in the manner specified in the relevant
Final Terms.
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(h) Publication: The Calculation Agent will cause each Rate of Interest and Interest Amount
determined by it, together with the relevant Interest Payment Date, and any other amount(s)
required to be determined by it together with any relevant payment date(s) to be notified to the
Paying Agents and each competent authority, stock exchange and/or quotation system (if any) by
which the Notes have then been admitted to listing, trading and/or quotation as soon as practicable
after such determination but (in the case of each Rate of Interest, Interest Amount and Interest
Payment Date) in any event not later than the first day of the relevant Interest Period. Notice thereof
shall also promptly be given to the Noteholders. The Calculation Agent will be entitled to
recalculate any Interest Amount (on the basis of the foregoing provisions) without notice in the
event of an extension or shortening of the relevant Interest Period. If the Calculation Amount is
less than the minimum Specified Denomination the Calculation Agent shall not be obliged to
publish each Interest Amount but instead may publish only the Calculation Amount and the Interest
Amount in respect of a Note having the minimum Specified Denomination.
(i) Notifications etc: All notifications, opinions, determinations, certificates, calculations, quotations
and decisions given, expressed, made or obtained for the purposes of this Condition by the
Calculation Agent will (in the absence of manifest error) be binding on the Issuer and the Guarantor,
as the case may be, the Paying Agents, the Noteholders and the Couponholders and (subject as
aforesaid) no liability to the Issuer, or the Guarantor, as the case may be, the Paying Agents, the
Noteholders and the Couponholders will attach to the Calculation Agent in connection with the
exercise or non-exercise by it of its powers, duties and discretions for such purposes.
(j) Benchmark Discontinuation:
(i) If a Benchmark Event occurs in relation to the Reference Rate when the Rate of Interest
(or any component part thereof) for any Interest Period remains to be determined by
reference to such Reference Rate, then the Issuer shall use its reasonable endeavours to
appoint an Independent Adviser, as soon as reasonably practicable, to determine a
Successor Rate, failing which an Alternative Rate (in accordance with Condition 7(j)(ii))
and, in either case, an Adjustment Spread, if any (in accordance with Condition 7(j)(iii))
and any Benchmark Amendments (in accordance with Condition 7(j)(iv)).
In the absence of bad faith or fraud, the Independent Adviser shall have no liability
whatsoever to the Issuer, the Principal Paying Agent, Trustee or the Noteholders for any
determination made by it pursuant to this Condition 7(j).
If (i) the Issuer is unable to appoint an Independent Adviser or (ii) the Independent Adviser
appointed by it fails to determine a Successor Rate or, failing which, an Alternative Rate
in accordance with this Condition 7(j) prior to the relevant Interest Determination Date,
the Reference Rate applicable to the immediate following Interest Period shall be the
Reference Rate applicable as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date. If there has
not been a first Interest Payment Date, the Reference Rate shall be the Reference Rate
applicable to the first Floating Rate Interest Period. For the avoidance of doubt, any
adjustment pursuant to this final paragraph of Condition 7(j) shall apply to the immediately
following Interest Period only. Any subsequent Interest Period may be subject to the
subsequent operation of this Condition 7(j).
(ii) If the Independent Adviser determines in its discretion that:
(A) there is a Successor Rate, then such Successor Rate shall (subject to adjustment
as provided in Condition 7(j)(iii)) subsequently be used in place of the Reference
Rate to determine the Rate of Interest for the immediately following Interest
Period and all following Interest Periods, subject to the subsequent operation of
this Condition 7(j); or
(B) there is no Successor Rate but that there is an Alternative Rate, then such
Alternative Rate shall (subject to adjustment as provided in Condition 7(j)(iii))
subsequently be used in place of the Reference Rate to determine the rate of
Interest for the immediately following Interest Period and all following Interest
Periods, subject to the subsequent operation of this Condition 7(j).
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(iii) If the Independent Adviser determines in its discretion (A) that an Adjustment Spread is
required to be applied to the Successor Rate or the Alternative Rate (as the case may be)
and (B) the quantum of, or a formula or methodology for determining, such Adjustment
Spread, then such Adjustment Spread shall apply to the Successor Rate or the Alternative
Rate (as the case may be).
(iv) If any relevant Successor Rate, Alternative Rate or Adjustment Spread is determined in
accordance with this Condition 7(j) and the Independent Adviser determines in its
discretion (i) that amendments to these Conditions are necessary to ensure the proper
operation of such Successor Rate, Alternative Rate and/or Adjustment Spread (such
amendments, the "Benchmark Amendments") and (ii) the terms of the Benchmark
Amendments, then the Issuer shall, following consultation with the person specified in the
applicable Final Terms as the party responsible for calculating the rate of interest and the
Interest Amount(s), subject to giving notice thereof in accordance with Condition 7(j)(v),
without any requirement for the consent or approval of relevant Noteholders, vary these
Conditions to give effect to such Benchmark Amendments with effect from the date
specified in such notice (and for the avoidance of doubt, the Principal Paying Agent shall,
at the direction and, in accordance with Clause 11.1 (Commissions and Expenses) of the
Agency Agreement, expense of the Issuer, consent to and effect such consequential
amendments to the Agency Agreement and these Conditions as may be required in order
to give effect to this Condition 7(j)). In addition, but subject to receipt by the Trustee of a
certificate signed by an Authorised Signatory of the Issuer pursuant to Condition 7(j)(vi),
the Trustee shall (at the expense of the Issuer in accordance with Clause 12.1.5 (Expenses)
of the Trust Deed), without the requirement for the consent or approval of the Noteholders
or Couponholders, be obliged to concur with the Issuer in effecting any Benchmark
Amendments (including, inter alia, by the execution of a deed supplemental to or
amending the Trust Deed) and the Trustee shall not be liable to any party for any
consequences thereof, provided that the Trustee shall not be obliged so to concur if in the
sole opinion of the Trustee (acting reasonably) doing so would have the effect of imposing
more onerous obligations upon it or expose it to any additional duties, responsibilities or
liabilities over and above those which it has in these Conditions or the Trust Deed
(including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Supplemental Trust Deed) or reduce or amend
rights and/or the protective provisions afforded to the Trustee in these Conditions or the
Trust Deed (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Supplemental Trust Deed) in any
way.
(v) Any Successor Rate, Alternative Rate, Adjustment Spread and the specific terms of any
Benchmark Amendments, determined under this Condition 7(j) will be notified promptly
by the Issuer to the Principal Paying Agent, the Trustee, the Calculation Agent and, in
accordance with Condition 14, the Noteholders. Such notice shall be irrevocable and shall
specify the effective date of the Benchmark Amendments, if any.
(vi) No later than notifying the Principal Paying Agent and the Trustee of the same, the Issuer
shall deliver to the Principal Paying Agent and the Trustee a certificate signed by an
Authorised Signatory of the Issuer:
(A) confirming (x) that a Benchmark Event has occurred, (y) the relevant Successor
Rate, or, as the case may be, the relevant Alternative Rate and, (z) where
applicable, any relevant Adjustment Spread and/or the specific terms of any
relevant Benchmark Amendments, in each case as determined in accordance with
the provisions of this Condition 7(j); and
(B) certifying that the relevant Benchmark Amendments are necessary to ensure the
proper operation of such relevant Successor Rate, Alternative Rate and/or
Adjustment Spread.
The Trustee and the Agents shall be entitled to rely on such certificate (without inquiry
and without liability to any person) as sufficient evidence thereof. The Successor Rate or
Alternative Rate and the Adjustment Spread (if any) and the Benchmark Amendments (if
any) specified in such certificate will (in the absence of manifest error in the determination
of such Successor Rate or Alternative Rate and such Adjustment Spread (if any) and such
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Benchmark Amendments (if any) and without prejudice to the Trustee's ability to rely on
such certificate as aforesaid) be binding on the Issuer, the Principal Paying Agent, the
Trustee, the Calculation Agent, the Paying Agents and the Noteholders as of their effective
date.
(vii) Without prejudice to the obligations of the Issuer under Condition 7(j)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv),
the Reference Rate and the fallback provisions provided for in the definition of the term
"Reference Rate" will continue to apply unless and until a Benchmark Event has occurred.
(viii) As used in this Condition 7(j):
"Adjustment Spread" means either a spread (which may be positive or negative), or the
formula or methodology for calculating a spread, in either case, which the Independent
Adviser determines is required to be applied to the relevant Successor Rate or the relevant
Alternative Rate (as the case may be) to reduce or eliminate, to the extent reasonably
practicable in the circumstances, any economic prejudice or benefit (as the case may be)
to Noteholders as a result of the replacement of the Reference Rate with the Successor
Rate or the Alternative Rate (as the case may be) and is the spread, formula or
methodology which:
(A) in the case of a Successor Rate, is formally recommended in relation to the
replacement of the Reference Rate with the Successor Rate by any Relevant
Nominating Body; or
(B) (if no such recommendation has been made, or in the case of an Alternative Rate)
the Independent Adviser determines, is recognised or acknowledged as being the
industry standard for over-the-counter derivative transactions which reference the
Reference Rate, where such rate has been replaced by the Successor Rate or the
Alternative Rate (as the case may be); or
(C) (if the Independent Adviser determines that no such industry standard is
recognised or acknowledged) the Independent Adviser determines to be
appropriate.
"Alternative Rate" means an alternative benchmark or screen rate which the Independent
Adviser determines in accordance with Condition 7(j)(ii) is customary in market usage in
the international debt capital markets for the purposes of determining floating rates of
interest (or the relevant component part thereof) in the Specified Currency.
"Authorised Signatories" has the meaning given in the Trust Deed.
"Benchmark Amendments" has the meaning given to it in Condition 7(j)(iv).
"Benchmark Event" means:
(A) the Reference Rate ceasing to be published for a period of at least five (5)
Business Days or ceasing to exist; or
(B) a public statement by the administrator of the Reference Rate that it will cease
publishing the Reference Rate permanently or indefinitely (in circumstances
where no successor administrator has been appointed that will continue
publication of the Reference Rate); or
(C) a public statement by the supervisor of the administrator of the Reference Rate,
that the Reference Rate has been or will permanently or indefinitely discontinued;
or
(D) a public statement by the supervisor of the administrator of the Reference Rate as
a consequence of which the Reference Rate will be prohibited from being used
either generally, or in respect of the relevant Floating Rate Notes;
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(E) a public statement by the supervisor of the administrator of the Reference Rate
that, in the view of such supervisor, such Reference Rate is no longer
representative of any underlying market; or
(F) it has become unlawful for any Paying Agent, the Calculation Agent, the Issuer
or any other party to calculate any rate of interest using the Reference Rate.
"Independent Adviser" means an independent financial institution of international repute
or other independent financial adviser experienced in the international capital markets, in
each case appointed by the Issuer at its own expense under Condition 7(j)(i).
"Relevant Nominating Body" means, in respect of a benchmark or screen rate (as
applicable):
(A) the central bank for the currency to which the benchmark or screen rate (as
applicable) relates, or any central bank or other supervisory authority which is
responsible for supervising the administrator of the benchmark or screen rate (as
applicable); or
(B) any working group or committee sponsored by, chaired or co-chaired by or
constituted at the request of (a) the central bank for the currency to which the
benchmark or screen rate (as applicable) relates, (b) any central bank or other
supervisory authority which is responsible for supervising the administrator of the
benchmark or screen rate (as applicable), (c) a group of the aforementioned
central banks or other supervisory authorities or (d) the Financial Stability Board
or any part thereof.
"Successor Rate" means a successor to or replacement of the Reference Rate which is
formally published, endorsed, approved, recommended or recognised by any Relevant
Nominating Body.
8. Zero Coupon Note Provisions
(a) Application: This Condition 8 (Zero Coupon Note Provisions) is applicable to the Notes only if
the Zero Coupon Note Provisions are specified in the relevant Final Terms as being applicable.
(b) Late payment on Zero Coupon Notes: If the Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Zero
Coupon Note is improperly withheld or refused, the Redemption Amount shall thereafter be an
amount equal to the sum of:
(i) the Reference Price; and
(ii) the product of the Accrual Yield (compounded annually) being applied to the Reference
Price on the basis of the relevant Day Count Fraction from (and including) the Issue Date
to (but excluding) whichever is the earlier of (i) the day on which all sums due in respect
of such Note up to that day are received by or on behalf of the relevant Noteholder and (ii)
the day which is seven days after the Principal Paying Agent has notified the Noteholders
that it has received all sums due in respect of the Notes up to such seventh day (except to
the extent that there is any subsequent default in payment).
9. Redemption and Purchase
(a) Scheduled redemption: Unless previously redeemed, or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be
redeemed at their Final Redemption Amount on the Maturity Date, subject as provided in
Condition 10 (Payments - Bearer Notes) and Condition 11 (Payments - Registered Notes).
(b) Redemption for tax reasons: The Notes may be redeemed at the option of the relevant Issuer in
whole, but not in part:
(i) at any time (if the Floating Rate Note Provisions are not specified in the relevant Final
Terms as being applicable); or
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(ii) on any Interest Payment Date (if the Floating Rate Note Provisions are specified in the
relevant Final Terms as being applicable),
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice (or such other period as shall be
specified in the relevant Final Terms) to the Trustee and the Agent and, in accordance with
Condition 21 (Notices), to the Noteholders (which notice shall be irrevocable), at their
Early Redemption Amount (Tax), together with interest accrued (if any) to the date fixed
for redemption, if, immediately before giving such notice, the relevant Issuer satisfies the
Trustee that:
(A) the Issuer or (in respect of payments under the Guarantee of the Notes for
Guaranteed Notes) the Guarantor, as the case may be, has or will become obliged
to pay additional amounts as provided or referred to in Condition 12 (Taxation)
as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of either the
United Kingdom (in respect of Compass PLC) or the Netherlands (in respect of
Compass Group Finance B.V.) or any political subdivision or any authority
thereof or therein having power to tax, or any change in the application or official
interpretation of such laws or regulations (including a holding by a court of
competent jurisdiction), which change or amendment becomes effective on or
after the date of issue of the first Tranche of the Notes; and
(B) such obligation cannot be avoided by the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, taking reasonable measures available to it,
provided, however, that no such notice of redemption shall be given earlier than:
(1) where the Notes may be redeemed at any time, 90 days prior to the
earliest date on which the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case
may be, would be obliged to pay such additional amounts if a payment
in respect of the Notes were then due; or
(2) where the Notes may be redeemed only on an Interest Payment Date, 60
days prior to the Interest Payment Date occurring immediately before the
earliest date on which the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case
may be, would be obliged to pay such additional amounts if a payment
in respect of the Notes were then due.
Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph, the relevant Issuer
or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall deliver or procure that there is delivered to the Trustee
(A) a certificate signed by an authorised signatory of such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may
be, stating that such Issuer or the Guar1antor, as the case may be, is entitled to effect such
redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right
of such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, so to redeem have occurred and (B) an opinion
of independent legal advisers of recognised standing to the effect that such Issuer or the Guarantor,
as the case may be, has or will become obliged to pay such additional amounts as a result of such
change or amendment.
The Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the
satisfaction of the circumstances set out above, in which event they shall be conclusive and binding
on the Noteholders.
Upon the expiry of any such notice as is referred to in this Condition 9(b), the relevant Issuer or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be bound to redeem the Notes in accordance with this
Condition 9(b).
(c) Redemption at the option of the Issuer: If the Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms
as being applicable, the Notes may be redeemed at the option of the relevant Issuer in whole or, if
so specified in the relevant Final Terms, in part on any Optional Redemption Date (Call) at the
relevant Optional Redemption Amount (Call) on the Issuer giving not less than 15 nor more than
30 days' notice (or such other period as shall be specified in the relevant Final Terms) to the
Noteholders and not less than 15 days before the giving of the notice to the Noteholders notice to
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the Trustee and the Agent (which notices shall be irrevocable and shall oblige such Issuer to redeem
the Notes or, as the case may be, the Notes specified in such notice on the relevant Optional
Redemption Date (Call) at the Optional Redemption Amount (Call) plus accrued interest (if any)
to such date). If any Maximum Redemption Amount or Minimum Redemption Amount is specified
in the relevant Final Terms, then the Optional Redemption Amount (Call) shall in no event be
greater than the maximum or be less than the minimum so specified. The Optional Redemption
Amount (Call) will be either, as specified in the applicable Final Terms, (i) if Make-Whole
Redemption Amount is specified as being applicable in the applicable Final Terms, the relevant
Make-Whole Redemption Amount or (ii) the specified percentage of the nominal amount of the
Notes stated in the applicable Final Terms.
The Make-Whole Redemption Amount will be an amount equal to the higher of:
(i) if "Spens Amount" is specified as being applicable in the applicable Final Terms, (i) 100
per cent. of the nominal amount outstanding of the Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the
nominal amount outstanding of the Notes to be redeemed multiplied by the price, as
reported to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Determination Agent, at which the Gross
Redemption Yield on such Notes on the Reference Date is equal to the Gross Redemption
Yield (determined by reference to the middle market price) at the Quotation Time on the
Reference Date of the Reference Bond, plus the Redemption Margin; or
(ii) if "Make-Whole Redemption Amount" is specified as applicable in the applicable Final
Terms, (i) 100 per cent. of the nominal amount outstanding of the Notes to be redeemed
and (ii) the sum of the present values of the nominal amount outstanding of the Notes to
be redeemed and the Remaining Term Interest on such Notes (exclusive of interest accrued
to the date of redemption) and such present values shall be calculated by discounting such
amounts to the date of redemption on an annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting
of twelve 30-day months or, in the case of an incomplete month, the number of days
elapsed) at the Reference Bond Rate, plus the Redemption Margin,
all as determined by the Determination Agent, provided however that, if the Optional Redemption
Date occurs on or after the Par Redemption Date (if specified in the relevant Final Terms), the
Make-Whole Redemption Amount will be the principal amount of the Notes. "Optional
Redemption Date" and "Par Redemption Date" will be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
In the case of a partial redemption of Notes, the Notes to be redeemed ("Redeemed Notes") will
be selected:
(i) individually by lot, in the case of Redeemed Notes represented by definitive Notes; or
(ii) in accordance with the rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, in the case of
Redeemed Notes represented by a Global Notes,
not more than 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption (such date of selection being
hereinafter called the Selection Date).
In the case of Redeemed Notes represented by definitive Notes, a list of the serial numbers of such
Redeemed Notes will be published in accordance with Condition 20 not less than 15 days prior to
the date fixed for redemption. No exchange of the relevant Global Note will be permitted during
the period from (and including) the Selection Date to (and including) the date fixed for redemption
pursuant to this Condition 9(c) and notice to that effect shall be given by the Issuer to the
Noteholders in accordance with Condition 20 at least five days prior to the Selection Date.
In this Condition 9(c):
"DA Selected Bond" means a government security or securities selected by the Determination
Agent as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable with the remaining term of the
Notes, that would be utilised, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial
practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities denominated in the Specified Currency
and of a comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Notes;
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"Determination Agent" means an investment bank or financial institution of international
standing selected by the Issuer;
"Gross Redemption Yield" means, with respect to a security, the gross redemption yield on such
security, expressed as a percentage and calculated by the Determination Agent on the basis set out
by the United Kingdom Debt Management Office in the paper "Formulae for Calculating Gilt
Prices from Yields", page 4, Section One: Price/Yield Formulae "Conventional Gilts"; "Double
dated and Undated Gilts with Assumed (or Actual) Redemption on a Quasi-Coupon Date"
(published 8 June 1998, as amended or updated from time to time) on a semi-annual compounding
basis (converted to an annualised yield and rounded up (if necessary) to four decimal places) or on
such other basis as the Issuer may approve;
"Quotation Time" shall be as set out in the applicable Final Terms;
"Redemption Margin" shall be as set out in the applicable Final Terms;
"Reference Bond" shall be as set out in the applicable Final Terms or the DA Selected Bond;
"Reference Bond Price" means, with respect to any date of redemption, (a) the arithmetic average
of the Reference Government Bond Dealer Quotations for such date of redemption, after excluding
the highest and lowest such Reference Government Bond Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the
Determination Agent obtains fewer than four such Reference Government Bond Dealer
Quotations, the arithmetic average of all such quotations;
"Reference Bond Rate" means, with respect to any date of redemption, the rate per annum equal
to the annual or semi-annual yield (as the case may be) to maturity or interpolated yield to maturity
(on the relevant day count basis) of the Reference Bond, assuming a price for the Reference Bond
(expressed as a percentage of its nominal amount) equal to the Reference Bond Price for such date
of redemption;
"Reference Date" will be set out in the relevant notice of redemption;
"Reference Government Bond Dealer" means each of the two banks selected by the Issuer, or
their affiliates, which are (A) primary government securities dealers, and their respective
successors, or (B) market makers in pricing corporate bond issues;
"Reference Government Bond Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference
Government Bond Dealer and any date of redemption, the arithmetic average, as determined by
the Determination Agent, of the bid and offered prices for the Reference Bond (expressed in each
case as a percentage of its nominal amount) at the Quotation Time on the Reference Date quoted
in writing to the Determination Agent by such Reference Government Bond Dealer; and
"Remaining Term Interest" means, with respect to any Note, the aggregate amount of scheduled
payment(s) of interest on such Note for the remaining term of such Note determined on the basis
of the rate of interest applicable to such Note from and including the date on which such Note is to
be redeemed by the Issuer pursuant to this Condition 9.
(d) Partial redemption: If the Notes are to be redeemed in part only on any date in accordance with
Condition 9(c) (Redemption at the option of the Issuer), the Notes to be redeemed shall be selected
by the drawing of lots in such place as the Principal Paying Agent approves, the application of a
pool factor or in such manner as the Principal Paying Agent considers appropriate, subject to
compliance with applicable law, the rules of each competent authority, stock exchange and/or
quotation system (if any) by which the Notes have then been admitted to listing, trading and/or
quotation and the notice to Noteholders referred to in Condition 9(c) (Redemption at the option of
the Issuer) shall specify the serial numbers of the Notes so to be redeemed. If any Maximum
Redemption Amount or Minimum Redemption Amount is specified in the relevant Final Terms,
then the Optional Redemption Amount (Call) shall in no event be greater than the maximum or be
less than the minimum so specified.
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(e) Redemption at the option of the Noteholders
(i) Redemption (Put Option):
If the Put Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms as being applicable, the Issuer
shall, at the option of the Holder of any Note redeem such Note on the Optional
Redemption Date (Put) specified in the relevant Put Option Notice at the relevant Optional
Redemption Amount (Put) together with interest (if any) accrued to such date. In order to
exercise the option contained in this Condition 9(e), the Holder of a Note must, not less
than 15 nor more than 30 days before (or such other period as shall be specified in the
relevant Final Terms) the relevant Optional Redemption Date (Put), deposit with any
Paying Agent such Note together with all unmatured Coupons relating thereto and a duly
completed Put Option Notice in the form obtainable from any Paying Agent. The Paying
Agent with which a Note is so deposited shall deliver a duly completed Put Option Receipt
to the depositing Noteholder. No Note, once deposited with a duly completed Put Option
Notice in accordance with this Condition 9(e), may be withdrawn; provided, however,
that if, prior to the relevant Optional Redemption Date (Put), any such Note becomes
immediately due and payable or, upon due presentation of any such Note on the relevant
Optional Redemption Date (Put), payment of the redemption moneys is improperly
withheld or refused, the relevant Paying Agent shall mail notification thereof to the
depositing Noteholder at such address as may have been given by such Noteholder in the
relevant Put Option Notice and shall hold such Note at its Specified Office for collection
by the depositing Noteholder against surrender of the relevant Put Option Receipt. For so
long as any outstanding Note is held by a Paying Agent in accordance with this Condition
9(e), the depositor of such Note and not such Paying Agent shall be deemed to be the
Holder of such Note for all purposes.
(ii) Redemption (Restructuring Put Event or a Cross Put Event):
If either:
(a) a Restructuring Put Event occurs; or
(b) a Cross Put Event occurs,
then the holder of each Note will have the option (unless, prior to the giving of the Put
Option Notice, the Issuer gives notice under Condition 9(b) or 9(c)) to require such Issuer
to redeem that Note on the Put Date at its Principal Amount together with interest accrued
up to but excluding the Put Date.
A "Cross Put Event" shall be deemed to have occurred at any time that an Existing Holder
is entitled to require the Issuer to redeem its notes, due to the occurrence of a "Put Event"
as defined in the Existing Holder's relevant notes.
A "Restructuring Put Event" shall be deemed to have occurred if a Restructuring Event
and (if at any time that a Restructuring Event occurs there are Rated Securities) a Rating
Downgrade in respect of the Restructuring Event occur together.
Promptly upon Compass PLC becoming aware that a Restructuring Put Event or a Cross
Put Event has occurred, Compass PLC shall give notice to the Noteholders in accordance
with Condition 20 specifying the nature of the Restructuring Put Event or the Cross Put
Event and the procedure for the exercising the option contained in this Condition 9(e).
To exercise the option to require redemption of a Note upon the occurrence of a
Restructuring Put Event or a Cross Put Event a Noteholder must deliver such Note, on any
business day, in the city of the specified office of the relevant Paying Agent falling within
the period (the "Put Period") of 45 days after a Put Option Notice is deposited at the
specified office of any Paying Agent, duly signed and completed. The Note should be
delivered together with all Coupons appertaining thereto (if applicable) maturing after the
date (the "Put Date") which is the seventh day after the last day of the Put Period failing
which an amount will be deducted from the payment to be made by the Issuer on
redemption of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of Condition 10 (in the case of
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Bearer Notes) or Condition 11 (in the case of Registered Notes). A Put Option Notice once
given shall be irrevocable. The Paying Agent to which such Note and Put Option Notice
are delivered will issue to the Noteholder concerned a Put Option Receipt in respect of
such Note delivered. The Issuer shall redeem the Notes in respect of which Put Option
Receipts have been issued on the Put Date.
Payment in respect of any Note so delivered will be made, if the holder duly specifies a
bank account in the Put Option Notice to which payment is to be made, on the Put Date
by transfer to that bank account and in every other case on or after the Put Date against
presentation and surrender or (as the case may be) endorsement of such Put Option Receipt
at the specified office of any Paying Agent in accordance with the provisions of Condition
10 (in the case of Bearer Notes) or Condition 11 (in the case of Registered Notes).
(f) No other redemption: The relevant Issuer shall not be entitled to redeem the Notes otherwise than
as provided in paragraphs (a) to (e) above.
(g) Early redemption of Zero Coupon Notes: Unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms,
the Redemption Amount payable on redemption of a Zero Coupon Note at any time before the
Maturity Date shall be an amount equal to the sum of:
(i) the Reference Price; and
(ii) the product of the Accrual Yield (compounded annually) being applied to the Reference
Price from (and including) the Issue Date to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption
or (as the case may be) the date upon which the Note becomes due and payable.
Where such calculation is to be made for a period which is not a whole number of years, the
calculation in respect of the period of less than a full year shall be made on the basis of such Day
Count Fraction as may be specified in the Final Terms for the purposes of this Condition 9(g) or,
if none is so specified, a Day Count Fraction of 30E/360.
(h) Purchase: Compass Group Finance B.V., Compass PLC or any of Compass PLC’s Subsidiaries
may at any time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise and at any price, provided that
all unmatured Coupons are purchased therewith.
(i) Cancellation: All Notes so redeemed or purchased by Compass Group Finance B.V., Compass
PLC or, any of Compass PLC’s Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and any unmatured Coupons
attached to or surrendered with them shall be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold.
10. Payments - Bearer Notes
This Condition 10 is only applicable to Bearer Notes.
(a) Principal: Payments of principal shall be made only against presentation and (provided that
payment is made in full) surrender of Bearer Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent
outside the United States by cheque drawn in the currency in which the payment is due on, or by
transfer to an account denominated in that currency (or, if that currency is euro, any other account
to which euro may be credited or transferred) and maintained by the payee with, a bank in the
Principal Financial Centre of that currency (in the case of a sterling cheque, a town clearing branch
of a bank in the City of London).
(b) Interest: Payments of interest shall, subject to paragraph (h) below, be made only against
presentation and (provided that payment is made in full) surrender of the appropriate Coupons at
the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States in the manner described in
paragraph (a) above.
(c) Payments in New York City: Payments of principal or interest may be made at the Specified Office
of a Paying Agent in New York City if (i) the Issuer or, as the case may be, failing whom the
Guarantor has appointed Paying Agents outside the United States with the expectation that such
Paying Agents will be able to make payment of the full amount of the interest on the Notes in the
currency in which the payment is due when due, (ii) payment of the full amount of such interest at
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the offices of all such Paying Agents is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or
other similar restrictions and (iii) payment is permitted by applicable United States law.
(d) Payments subject to fiscal laws: All payments in respect of the Bearer Notes are subject in all cases
to (i) any applicable fiscal or other laws and regulations in the place of payment, but without
prejudice to Condition 12 (Taxation) and (ii) any withholding or deduction required pursuant to an
agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the United States’ Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "U.S. Internal Revenue Code") or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471
through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, any regulations or agreements thereunder, any
official interpretations thereof, or any law implementing an intergovernmental approach thereto.
No commissions or expenses shall be charged to the Noteholders or Couponholders in respect of
such payments.
(e) Deductions for unmatured Coupons: If the relevant Final Terms specifies that the Fixed Rate Note
Provisions are applicable and a Bearer Note is presented without all unmatured Coupons relating
thereto:
(i) if the aggregate amount of the missing Coupons is less than or equal to the amount of
principal due for payment, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the missing Coupons
will be deducted from the amount of principal due for payment; provided, however, that
if the gross amount available for payment is less than the amount of principal due for
payment, the sum deducted will be that proportion of the aggregate amount of such
missing Coupons which the gross amount actually available for payment bears to the
amount of principal due for payment;
(ii) if the aggregate amount of the missing Coupons is greater than the amount of principal
due for payment:
(A) so many of such missing Coupons shall become void (in inverse order of maturity)
as will result in the aggregate amount of the remainder of such missing Coupons
(the "Relevant Coupons") being equal to the amount of principal due for
payment; provided, however, that where this sub-paragraph would otherwise
require a fraction of a missing Coupon to become void, such missing Coupon
shall become void in its entirety; and
(B) a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the Relevant Coupons (or, if less, the
amount of principal due for payment) will be deducted from the amount of
principal due for payment; provided, however, that, if the gross amount
available for payment is less than the amount of principal due for payment, the
sum deducted will be that proportion of the aggregate amount of the Relevant
Coupons (or, as the case may be, the amount of principal due for payment) which
the gross amount actually available for payment bears to the amount of principal
due for payment.
Each sum of principal so deducted shall be paid in the manner provided in paragraph (a)
above against presentation and (provided that payment is made in full) surrender of the
relevant missing Coupons.
(f) Unmatured Coupons void: If the relevant Final Terms specifies that this Condition 10(f) is
applicable or that the Floating Rate Note Provisions are applicable, on the due date for final
redemption of any Note or early redemption in whole of such Note pursuant to Condition 9(b)
(Redemption for tax reasons), Condition 9(e) (Redemption at the option of Noteholders (Investor
Put)), Condition 9(c) (Redemption at the option of the Issuer) or Condition 13 (Events of Default),
all unmatured Coupons relating thereto (whether or not still attached) shall become void and no
payment will be made in respect thereof.
(g) Payments on business days: If the due date for payment of any amount in respect of any Bearer
Note or Coupon is not a Payment Business Day in the place of presentation, the Holder shall not
be entitled to payment in such place of the amount due until the next succeeding Payment Business
Day in such place and shall not be entitled to any further interest or other payment in respect of
any such delay.
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(h) Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons: Payments of interest other than in respect of
matured Coupons shall be made only against presentation of the relevant Bearer Notes at the
Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States (or in New York City if permitted
by paragraph (c) above).
(i) Partial payments: If a Paying Agent makes a partial payment in respect of any Bearer Note or
Coupon presented to it for payment, such Paying Agent will endorse thereon a statement indicating
the amount and date of such payment.
(j) Exchange of Talons: On or after the maturity date of the final Coupon which is (or was at the time
of issue) part of a Coupon Sheet relating to the Bearer Notes, the Talon forming part of such
Coupon Sheet may be exchanged at the Specified Office of the Principal Paying Agent for a further
Coupon Sheet (including, if appropriate, a further Talon but excluding any Coupons in respect of
which claims have already become void pursuant to Condition 14 (Prescription). Upon the due
date for redemption of any Bearer Note, any unexchanged Talon relating to such Note shall become
void and no Coupon will be delivered in respect of such Talon.
11. Payments - Registered Notes
This Condition 11 is only applicable to Registered Notes.
(a) Principal: Payments of principal shall be made by cheque drawn in the currency in which the
payment is due drawn on, or, upon application by a Holder of a Registered Note to the Specified
Office of the Principal Paying Agent not later than the fifteenth day before the due date for any
such payment, by transfer to an account denominated in that currency (or, if that currency is euro,
any other account to which euro may be credited or transferred) and maintained by the payee with,
a bank in the Principal Financial Centre of that currency (in the case of a sterling cheque, a town
clearing branch of a bank in the City of London) and (in the case of redemption) upon surrender
(or, in the case of part payment only, endorsement) of the relevant Note Certificates at the Specified
Office of any Paying Agent.
(b) Interest: Payments of interest shall be made by cheque drawn in the currency in which the payment
is due drawn on, or, upon application by a Holder of a Registered Note to the Specified Office of
the Principal Paying Agent not later than the fifteenth day before the due date for any such payment,
by transfer to an account denominated in that currency (or, if that currency is euro, any other
account to which euro may be credited or transferred) and maintained by the payee with, a bank in
the Principal Financial Centre of that currency (in the case of a sterling cheque, a town clearing
branch of a bank in the City of London) and (in the case of interest payable on redemption) upon
surrender (or, in the case of part payment only, endorsement) of the relevant Note Certificates at
the Specified Office of any Paying Agent.
(c) Payments subject to fiscal laws: All payments in respect of the Registered Notes are subject in all
cases to (i) any applicable fiscal or other laws and regulations in the place of payment, but without
prejudice to the provisions of Condition 12 (Taxation) and (ii) any withholding or deduction
required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the United States’ Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "U.S. Internal Revenue Code") or otherwise imposed
pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, any regulations or
agreements thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, or any law implementing an
intergovernmental approach thereto. No commissions or expenses shall be charged to the
Noteholders in respect of such payments.
(d) Payments on business days: Where payment is to be made by transfer to an account, payment
instructions (for value the due date, or, if the due date is not Payment Business Day, for value the
next succeeding Payment Business Day) will be initiated and, where payment is to be made by
cheque, the cheque will be mailed (i) (in the case of payments of principal and interest payable on
redemption) on the later of the due date for payment and the day on which the relevant Note
Certificate is surrendered (or, in the case of part payment only, endorsed) at the Specified Office
of a Paying Agent and (ii) (in the case of payments of interest payable other than on redemption)
on the due date for payment. A Holder of a Registered Note shall not be entitled to any interest or
other payment in respect of any delay in payment resulting from (A) the due date for a payment
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not being a Payment Business Day or (B) a cheque mailed in accordance with this Condition 11
arriving after the due date for payment or being lost in the mail.
(e) Partial payments: If a Paying Agent makes a partial payment in respect of any Registered Note,
the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall procure that the amount and date of
such payment are noted on the Register and, in the case of partial payment upon presentation of a
Note Certificate, that a statement indicating the amount and the date of such payment is endorsed
on the relevant Note Certificate.
(f) Record date: Each payment in respect of a Registered Note will be made to the person shown as
the Holder in the Register at the opening of business in the place of the Registrar's Specified Office
on the fifteenth day before the due date for such payment (the "Record Date"). Where payment in
respect of a Registered Note is to be made by cheque, the cheque will be mailed to the address
shown as the address of the Holder in the Register at the opening of business on the relevant Record
Date.
12. Taxation
Gross up: All payments of principal and interest in respect of the Notes and the Coupons by or on
behalf of the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be made free and clear of, and
without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or
assessed, unless the withholding or deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments, or governmental
charges is required by law. In the event that any withholding or deduction is required by law for or
on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever
nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or on behalf of the United Kingdom or
the Netherlands, or in each case any political subdivision therein or any authority therein or thereof
having power to tax, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall pay such additional
amounts as will result in receipt by the Noteholders and the Couponholders after such withholding
or deduction of such amounts as would have been received by them had no such withholding or
deduction been required, except that no such additional amounts shall be payable (i) by Compass
PLC as Issuer in respect of such withholding or deduction imposed, levied, collected, withheld or
assessed by or on behalf of the Netherlands unless it becomes resident for tax purposes in the
Netherlands or (ii) in respect of any Note or Coupon:
(a) presented for payment by or on behalf of a Holder which is liable to such taxes, duties, assessments
or governmental charges in respect of such Note or Coupon by reason of its having some
connection with the jurisdiction by which such taxes, duties, assessments or charges have been
imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed other than the mere holding of the Note or Coupon;
or
(b) where the relevant Note or Coupon or Note Certificate is presented or surrendered for payment
more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the Holder of such Note or
Coupon or Note Certificate would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting or
surrendering such Note or Coupon or Note Certificate for payment on the last day of such period
of 30 days; or
(c) in respect of any withholding or deduction imposed pursuant to an agreement described in Section
1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471
through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (or any regulations or agreements thereunder or
official interpretations thereof) or any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and
another jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any law implementing such an
intergovernmental agreement).
13. Events of Default
The Trustee at its absolute discretion may, and if so requested in writing by the Noteholders of not
less than one-fifth in nominal amount of the Notes then outstanding or if so directed by an
Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders shall (subject in each case to being indemnified and/or
secured to its satisfaction), give written notice to the Issuer and the Guarantor, if applicable, that
the Notes are, and they shall accordingly forthwith become, immediately due and repayable at their
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Early Termination Amount together with accrued interest (as provided in the Trust Deed) (if
applicable) if any of the following events (each an "Event of Default") shall occur:
(a) if default is made in the payment of any principal or interest due on the Notes, the Guarantee or
any of them on the due date and such default continues for a period of seven London Business
Days; or
(b) if the relevant Issuer fails to perform or observe any of its other obligations under the Notes or the
Trust Deed, or in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor fails to perform any of its other
obligations under the Guarantee or the Trust Deed, and in any such case (except where such failure
is, in the opinion of the Trustee, incapable of remedy in which case no notice requiring remedy
will be required) such failure continues for the period of 30 days (or such longer period as the
Trustee may permit) next following the service by the Trustee on the relevant Issuer and the
Guarantor, if applicable, of notice requiring the same to be remedied; or
(c) if any indebtedness of the Issuer or, in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor, or any
Material Subsidiary (as defined below) becomes due and repayable prematurely by reason of
default howsoever described in relation thereto or the Issuer, or, in the case of the Guaranteed
Notes, the Guarantor, or any Material Subsidiary fails to make any payment in respect thereof when
due or within any applicable grace period or if any guarantee or indemnity given by the Issuer, or,
in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary in respect of any
indebtedness is not honoured when due and called upon or if the security for any such first-
mentioned indebtedness or any such guarantee or indemnity becomes enforceable and steps are
taken to enforce the same provided that no event described in this Condition 13 shall constitute
an Event of Default if the indebtedness or other relative liability when aggregated with other
indebtedness and/or other liabilities relative to all (if any) other such events which have occurred
and have not been satisfied is less than £75,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency or
currencies at the date that the same become due and repayable, such failure to pay occurs, such
guarantee or indemnity is not honoured or such security becomes enforceable, as the case be); or
(d) if an order is made or an effective resolution passed for winding up or an administration order is
made in relation to the Issuer, or in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor, or any Material
Subsidiary (except in the case of a Material Subsidiary, a winding up for the purpose of a
reconstruction or amalgamation, the terms of which have previously been approved in writing by
the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, or a members' voluntary winding
up in connection with the transfer of all or the major part of the business, undertaking and assets
of such Material Subsidiary to the Issuer, the Guarantor, as the case may be, or another Material
Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, which thereby
becomes a Material Subsidiary); or
(e) if the Issuer, or in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor, or any Material Subsidiary
stops or threatens to stop payment generally or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on its business
or substantially the whole of its business (except (i) a cessation or threatened cessation for the
purpose of a reconstruction or amalgamation, the terms of which have previously been approved
in writing by the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, or (ii) in connection
with the transfer of all or the major part of the business, undertaking and assets of any Material
Subsidiary either to the Issuer, the Guarantor, as the case may be, or another Material Subsidiary
or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, which thereby becomes a
Material Subsidiary, or (iii) by reason of a Permitted Disposal); or
(f) if an encumbrancer takes possession or an administrative or other receiver is appointed of the whole
or any material part of the undertaking or assets of the Issuer, or in the case of the Guaranteed
Notes, the Guarantor, or any Material Subsidiary or if a distress, execution or any similar
proceeding is levied or enforced upon or sued out against a material part of the undertaking or
assets or any Material Subsidiary and is not discharged within 28 days or such longer period as the
Trustee may agree; or
(g) if the Issuer, or in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is
deemed unable to pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123(1)(b), (c) or (d) of the Insolvency
Act 1986, as amended, or the Issuer, the Guarantor, as the case may be, or any Material Subsidiary
becomes unable to pay its debts as they fall due or the Issuer, the Guarantor, as the case may be,
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or any Material Subsidiary otherwise becomes insolvent, or the Issuer, the Guarantor, as the case
may be, or any Material Subsidiary enters into a general assignment or an arrangement or
composition with or for the benefit of its creditors generally or suspends making payments
(whether of principal premium (if any) or interest) with respect to all or any class of its debts or
announces an intention to do so; or
(h) if any kind of composition, scheme of arrangement, compromise or other similar arrangement
involving the Issuer, or in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor or any Material
Subsidiary and the creditors of any of them generally (or any of such creditors) is entered into or
made (except a composition, scheme of arrangement. compromise or other similar arrangement for
the purpose of a reconstruction or amalgamation the terms of which have previously been approved
in writing by the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders);
(i) any event occurs which under the laws of any relevant jurisdiction has an analogous effect to any
of the events referred to in any of the foregoing paragraphs; or
(j) if, in the case of the Guaranteed Notes only, the Guarantee of the Notes is not (or is claimed by the
Guarantor not to be), in full force and effect,
provided, however that in the case of any Event of Default other than those described in
paragraphs (a) and (in the case of a winding up or dissolution of the relevant Issuer or in the case
of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor) (d) above, the Trustee shall have certified that the Event
of Default is, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders.
14. Prescription
Claims for principal in respect of Bearer Notes shall become void unless the relevant Bearer Notes
are presented for payment within ten years of the appropriate Relevant Date. Claims for interest in
respect of Bearer Notes shall become void unless the relevant Coupons are presented for payment
within five years of the appropriate Relevant Date. Claims for principal and interest on redemption
in respect of Registered Notes shall become void unless the relevant Note Certificates are
surrendered for payment within ten years of the appropriate Relevant Date.
15. Replacement of Notes and Coupons
If any Note, Note Certificate or Coupon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be
replaced at the Specified Office of the Principal Paying Agent, in the case of Bearer Notes, or the
Registrar, in the case of Registered Notes (and, if the Notes are then admitted to listing, trading
and/or quotation by any competent authority, stock exchange and/or quotation system which
requires the appointment of a Paying Agent or Transfer Agent in any particular place, the Paying
Agent or Transfer Agent having its Specified Office in the place required by such competent
authority, stock exchange and/or quotation system), subject to all applicable laws and competent
authority, stock exchange and/or quotation system requirements, upon payment by the claimant of
the expenses incurred in connection with such replacement and on such terms as to evidence,
security, indemnity and otherwise as the Issuer or the Guarantor as the case may be, may reasonably
require. Mutilated or defaced Notes, Note Certificates or Coupons must be surrendered before
replacements will be issued.
16. Trustee and Agents
Under the Trust Deed, the Trustee is entitled to be indemnified and relieved from responsibility in
certain circumstances and to be paid its costs and expenses in priority to the claims of the
Noteholders. In addition, the Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer
or the Guarantor, as the case may be, and any entity relating to the Issuer or the Guarantor without
accounting for any profit.
In the exercise of its powers and discretions under these Conditions and the Trust Deed, the Trustee
will have regard to the interests of the Noteholders as a class and will not be responsible for any
consequence for individual Holders of Notes as a result of such Holders being connected in any
way with a particular territory or taxing jurisdiction.
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In acting under the Agency Agreement and in connection with the Notes and the Coupons, the
Agents act solely as agents of the Issuer and the Guarantor, as the case may be and (to the extent
provided therein) the Trustee and do not assume any obligations towards or relationship of agency
or trust for or with any of the Noteholders or Couponholders.
The initial Agents and their initial Specified Offices are listed below. The initial Calculation Agent
(if any) is specified in the relevant Final Terms. The Issuer and the Guarantor, as the case may be,
reserve the right (with the prior approval of the Trustee) at any time to vary or terminate the
appointment of any Agent and to appoint a successor paying agent or registrar or Calculation Agent
and additional or successor paying agents; provided, however, that:
(i) the Issuer and the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall at all times maintain a paying agent
and a registrar; and
(ii) if a Calculation Agent is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Issuer and the Guarantor,
as the case may be, shall at all times maintain a Calculation Agent; and
(iii) if and for so long as the Notes are admitted to listing, trading and/or quotation by any
competent authority, stock exchange and/or quotation system which requires the
appointment of a Paying Agent and/or a Transfer Agent in any particular place, the Issuer
and the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall maintain a Paying Agent and/or a Transfer
Agent having its Specified Office in the place required by such competent authority, stock
exchange and/or quotation system.
Notice of any change in any of the Agents or in their Specified Offices shall promptly be given to
the Noteholders.
17. Meetings of Noteholders; Modification and Waiver; Substitution
(a) Meetings of Noteholders: The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of
Noteholders to consider matters relating to the Notes, including the modification of any provision
of these Conditions. Any such modification may be made if sanctioned by an Extraordinary
Resolution. Such a meeting may be convened by the Issuer, or in the case of the Guaranteed Notes,
the Guarantor or by the Trustee and shall be convened by the Trustee upon the request in writing
of Noteholders holding not less than five per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes. The quorum at any meeting convened to vote on an Extraordinary Resolution
will be one or more Persons holding or representing not less than a clear majority of the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes or, at any adjourned meeting, one or more Persons being
or representing Noteholders whatever the principal amount of the Notes held or represented;
provided, however, that Reserved Matters may only be sanctioned by an Extraordinary
Resolution passed at a meeting of Noteholders at which one or more Persons holding or
representing not less than two-thirds or, at any adjourned meeting, one-third of the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes form a quorum. Any Extraordinary Resolution duly
passed at any such meeting shall be binding on all the Noteholders and Couponholders, whether
present or not.
In addition, a resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of all Noteholders who for the time being
are entitled to receive notice of a meeting of Noteholders under the Trust Deed will take effect as
if it were an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a resolution in writing may be contained in one
document or several documents in the same form, each signed by or on behalf of one or more
Noteholders.
(b) Modification and waiver: The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders, agree to any
modification of these Conditions or the Trust Deed (other than in respect of a Reserved Matter)
which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, proper to make if, in the opinion of the Trustee, such
modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders and to any
modification of the Notes or the Trust Deed which is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is to
correct a manifest error.
In addition, the Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders, authorise or waive any
proposed breach or breach of the Notes or the Trust Deed (other than a proposed breach or breach
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relating to the subject of a Reserved Matter) if, in the opinion of the Trustee, the interests of the
Noteholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby.
Unless the Trustee agrees otherwise, any such authorisation, waiver or modification shall be
notified to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 20 (Notices) as soon as practicable
thereafter.
(c) Substitution: The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders, agree with the Issuer, to
the substitution in place of the Issuer (or of any previous substitute under this Condition 17
(Meeting of Noteholders; Modification and Waiver; Substitution)) as the principal debtor under the
Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed of a Subsidiary of the Issuer or (in the case of Guaranteed
Notes) the Guarantor, subject to (a) the Notes being unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed
by Compass PLC, (b) the Trustee being satisfied that the interests of the Noteholders will not be
materially prejudiced by the substitution and (c) certain other conditions set out in the Trust Deed
being complied with.
18. Enforcement
The Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without notice, institute such proceedings as it
thinks fit to enforce its rights under the Trust Deed in respect of the Notes, but it shall not be bound
to do so unless:
(i) it has been so requested in writing by the Holders of at least one-fifth of the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes or has been so directed by an Extraordinary
Resolution; and
(ii) it has been indemnified or provided with security to its satisfaction.
No Noteholder may proceed directly against the Issuer or, in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the
Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound to do so, fails to do so within a reasonable
time and such failure is continuing.
19. Further Issues
The Issuer may from time to time, without the consent of the Noteholders and in accordance with
the Trust Deed, create and issue (and, in the case of Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor may
guarantee) further notes having the same terms and conditions as the Notes in all respects (or in all
respects except for the first payment of interest) so as to form a single series with the Notes. The
Issuer may from time to time, with the consent of the Trustee, create and issue (and, in the case of
Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor may guarantee) other series of notes having the benefit of the
Trust Deed.
20. Notices
(a) Bearer Notes: Notices to the Holders of Bearer Notes shall be valid if published in a leading
English language daily newspaper published in London (which is expected to be the Financial
Times) or, if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily newspaper
having general circulation in Europe. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the
date of first publication (or if required to be published in more than one newspaper, on the first
date on which publication shall have been made in all the required newspapers). Couponholders
shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Holders
of Bearer Notes.
(b) Registered Notes: Notices to the Holders of Registered Notes shall be sent to them by first class
mail (or its equivalent) or (if posted to an overseas address) by airmail at their respective addresses
on the Register or, if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily
newspaper having general circulation in Europe. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been
given on the fourth day after the date of mailing.
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21. Currency Indemnity
The Issuer and in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor, shall indemnify the Trustee, the
Agents, every Appointee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders and keep them indemnified
against:
(a) any Liability incurred by any of them arising from the non-payment by the Issuer or, in the case of
the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor, of any amount due to the Trustee, the Agents or the holders
of the Notes and the relative Couponholders under the Trust Deed by reason of any variation in the
rates of exchange between those used for the purposes of calculating the amount due under a
judgment or order in respect thereof and those prevailing at the date of actual payment by the Issuer
or the Guarantor, as the case may be; and
(b) any deficiency arising or resulting from any variation in rates of exchange between (i) the date as
of which the local currency equivalent of the amounts due or contingently due under the Trust
Deed is calculated for the purposes of any bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation of the Issuer or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, and (ii) the final date for ascertaining the amount of claims in
such bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation. The amount of such deficiency shall be deemed not to
be reduced by any variation in rates of exchange occurring between the said final date and the date
of any distribution of assets in connection with any such bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation.
The above indemnities constitute separate and independent obligations of the Issuer and/or the
Guarantor, as the case may be.
22. Rounding
For the purposes of any calculations referred to in these Conditions (unless otherwise specified in
these Conditions or the relevant Final Terms), (a) all percentages resulting from such calculations
will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (with
0.000005 per cent. being rounded up to 0.00001 per cent.), (b) all United States dollar amounts
used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one half cent
being rounded up), (c) all Japanese Yen amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will
be rounded downwards to the next lower whole Japanese Yen amount, and (d) all amounts
denominated in any other currency used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to
the nearest two decimal places in such currency, with 0.005 being rounded upwards.
23. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
(a) Governing law: The Notes and the Trust Deed and all non-contractual obligations arising out of or
in connection with the Notes and the Trust Deed are governed by English law.
(b) Jurisdiction: The Issuer and, in the case of the Guaranteed Notes, the Guarantor has in the Trust
Deed (i) agreed that the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a
"Dispute") arising out of or in connection with the Notes or the Trust Deed (including a dispute
relating to any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with the Notes or the Trust
Deed) and (ii) agreed that those courts are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any
Dispute and, accordingly, that it will not argue that any other courts are more appropriate or
convenient. The Trust Deed also states that nothing contained in the Trust Deed prevents the
Trustee or any of the Noteholders from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute ("Proceedings")
in any other courts with jurisdiction and that, to the extent allowed by law, the Trustee or any of
the Noteholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
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FORM OF FINAL TERMS
Set out below is the form of Final Terms which will be completed for each Tranche of Notes which are not
Exempt Notes issued under the Programme.
[PROHIBITION OF SALES TO EEA AND UK RETAIL INVESTORS – The Notes are not intended
to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made
available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA") or in the United Kingdom ("UK").
For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in
point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the
meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as
defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. No key information document required by Regulation
(EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise
making them available to retail investors in the EEA or in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering
or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or in the UK may
be unlawful under the PRIIPS Regulation.]
[MiFID II product governance/Professional investors and ECPs only target market – Solely for the
purposes of [the/each] manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of
the Notes has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the Notes is eligible counterparties and
professional clients only, each as defined in [Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II")/[MiFID II];
and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Notes to eligible counterparties and professional clients are
appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Notes (a "distributor") should
take into consideration the manufacturer['s/s'] target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to
MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Notes (by either
adopting or refining the manufacturer['s/s'] target market assessment) and determining appropriate
distribution channels.]
[Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification – Solely for the purposes of its obligations
pursuant to sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289 of
Singapore) (the "SFA"), the Issuer has determined, and hereby notifies all relevant persons (as defined in
Section 309A of the SFA) that the Notes are ["prescribed capital markets products "]/["capital markets
products other than prescribed capital markets products"] (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital
Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and ["Excluded Investment Products "]/["Specified Investment
Products"] (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS
Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).]
Final Terms dated [•]
Compass Group PLC
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 2138008M6MH9OZ6U2T68
Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800YZZX39WY5G7M06
£6,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the "Programme")
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed, in the case of Notes issued by Compass Group Finance
Netherlands B.V.,
by Compass Group PLC
Issue of [Aggregate nominal amount of Tranche] [Title of Notes]
PART A – CONTRACTUAL TERMS
The Prospectus referred to below (as completed by these Final Terms) has been prepared on the basis that
any offer of Notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area or the UK (each, a "Relevant
State") will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation, as implemented in that
Relevant State, from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of the Notes. Accordingly any person
making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant State of the Notes may only do so in circumstances
LON56926774 021312-0516
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in which no obligation arises for the Issuer, the Guarantor, or any Dealer to publish a prospectus pursuant
to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the
Prospectus Regulation, in each case, in relation to such offer. Neither the Issuer [, the Guarantor] nor any
Dealer have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of Notes in circumstances in which
an obligation arises for the Issuer [, the Guarantor] or any Dealer to publish or supplement a prospectus for
such offer.
[Terms used herein shall be deemed to be defined as such for the purposes of the Conditions (the
"Conditions") set forth in the Base Prospectus dated 25 August 2020 [and the supplement(s) to it dated [•]
which [together] constitute[s] a base prospectus (the "Base Prospectus") for the purposes of the Prospectus
Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/1129) as amended or superseded (the "Prospectus Regulation"). This
document constitutes the Final Terms of the Notes described herein for the purposes of Article 8.1 of the
Prospectus Regulation. These Final Terms contain the final terms of the Notes and must be read in
conjunction with such Base Prospectus.
The Base Prospectus is available for viewing at the market news section of the London Stock Exchange
website (www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-home.html).]
[Terms used herein shall be deemed to be defined as such for the purposes of the Conditions (the
"Conditions") set forth in the base prospectus dated [•] and which are incorporated by reference in the Base
Prospectus dated 25 August 2020. This document constitutes the Final Terms of the Notes described herein
for the purposes of Article 8.1 of the Prospectus Regulation and must be read in conjunction with the Base
Prospectus dated 25 August 2020 [and the Base Prospectus supplement dated [•]] which [together]
constitute[s] a base prospectus (the "Base Prospectus") for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation
(Regulation (EU) 2017/1129), as amended or superseded (the "Prospectus Regulation"), including the
Conditions incorporated by reference in the Base Prospectus.]
The Base Prospectus [and the supplemental Base Prospectus(es)] are available for viewing at the market
news section of the London Stock Exchange website
(www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-home.html) [and] during
normal business hours at [•] [and copies may be obtained from [•]].
1. (i) Issuer [Compass Group PLC/ Compass Group Finance
B.V.]
(ii) [Guarantor]1 Compass Group PLC
2. [(i)] [Series Number]: [•]
[(ii)] Tranche: [•]
[(iii)] Date on which Notes become
fungible:
[Not Applicable/The Notes shall be
consolidated, form a single series and be
interchangeable for trading purposes with the [•]
on [•/the Issue Date/exchange of the Temporary
Global Note for interests in the Permanent
Global Note, as referred to in paragraph 21
below [which is expected to occur on or about
[•]]].]
3. Specified Currency or Currencies: [•]
4. Aggregate Nominal Amount: [•]
[(i)] [Series]: [•]
[(ii) Tranche: [•]
1 Delete row if Notes issued by Compass Group PLC.
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- 59 -
5. Issue Price: [•] per cent. of the Aggregate Nominal Amount
[plus accrued interest from [•]]
6. (i) Specified Denominations: [•]
(ii) Calculation Amount: [•]
7. (i) Issue Date: [•]
(ii) Interest Commencement Date: [[•]/Issue Date/Not Applicable]
8. Maturity Date: [•]
9. Interest Basis: [[•] per cent. Fixed Rate]
[[•] +/– [•] per cent. Floating Rate]
[Zero Coupon]
10. Redemption/Payment Basis: [Redemption at par]
[Subject to any purchase and cancellation or
early redemption, the Notes will be redeemed on
the Maturity Date at 100 per cent. of their
nominal amount.]
[Instalment Redemption]
[•]
11. Change of Interest: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
12. Put/Call Options: [Investor Put]
[Issuer Call]
13. [Date [Board] approval for issuance of
Notes [and Guarantee respectively]]
obtained:
[•][and[•], respectively]
PROVISIONS RELATING TO INTEREST (IF ANY) PAYABLE
14. Fixed Rate Note Provisions [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(i) Rate[(s)] of Interest: [•] per cent. per annum [payable in arrear on each
Interest Payment Date]
(ii) Interest Payment Date(s): [•] in each year
(iii) Fixed Coupon Amount[(s)]: [•] per Calculation Amount
(iv) Broken Amount(s): [•] per Calculation Amount, payable on the
Interest Payment Date falling [in/on] [•]
(v) Day Count Fraction: [30/360 / Actual/Actual (ICMA) or specify any
other option from the Conditions]
15. Floating Rate Note Provisions [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(i) Specified Period: [[•] in each year, subject to adjustment in
accordance with the Business Day Convention
set out in (iv) below]
LON56926774 021312-0516
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(ii) Specified Interest Payment Dates: [[•] in each year, subject to adjustment in
accordance with the Business Day Convention
set out in (iv) below]
(iii) [First Interest Payment Date]: [•]
(iv) Business Day Convention: [FRN Convention / Eurodollar Convention /
Floating Rate Convention / Following Business
Day Convention / Modified Following Business
Day Convention / Modified Business Day
Convention / Preceding Business Day
Convention / No Adjustment]
(v) Additional Business Centre(s): [Not Applicable/[•]]
(vi) Manner in which the Rate(s) of
Interest is/are to be determined:
[Screen Rate Determination/ISDA
Determination]
(vii) Party responsible for calculating
the Rate(s) of Interest and/or
Interest Amount(s) (if not the
[Principal Paying Agent]):
[•] shall be the Calculation Agent
(viii) Screen Rate Determination: Applicable/Not Applicable]
• Reference Rate: [EURIBOR/LIBOR]
• Relevant Financial
Centre:
[•]
• Interest Determination
Date(s):
[•]
• Relevant Screen Page: [•]
• Relevant Time: [•]
• Relevant Financial
Centre:
[•]
(ix) ISDA Determination: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
• Floating Rate Option: [•]
• Designated Maturity: [•]
• Reset Date: [•]
• ISDA Definitions: [2000/2006]
(x) Margin(s): [+/-][•] per cent. per annum
(xi) Minimum Rate of Interest: [[•] per cent. per annum / Not Applicable]
(xii) Maximum Rate of Interest: [[•] per cent. per annum / Not Applicable]
(xiii) Day Count Fraction: [•]
16. Zero Coupon Note Provisions [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(i) [Amortisation/Accrual] Yield: [•] per cent. per annum
LON56926774 021312-0516
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(ii) Reference Price: [•]
(iii) Day Count Fraction in relation to
Early Redemption Amounts and
late payment:
[30E/360] / [•]
PROVISIONS RELATING TO REDEMPTION
17. Call Option [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(i) Optional Redemption Date(s): [•]
(ii) Optional Redemption Amount(s)
of each Note:
[[•] per Calculation Amount/Make-Whole
Redemption Amount/Spens Amount]
[(a) Redemption Margin: [•]
[(b) Reference Bond: [•]
[(c) Quotation Time: [•]
[(d) Par Redemption Date: [•]
(iii) Redeemable in part: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(a) Minimum Redemption
Amount:
[[•] per Calculation Amount / Not Applicable]
(b) Maximum Redemption
Amount
[[•] per Calculation Amount / Not Applicable]
(iv) Notice period: [•]
18. Put Option [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(i) Optional Redemption Date(s): [•]
(ii) Optional Redemption Amount(s)
of each Note:
[•] per Calculation Amount
(iii) Notice period: [•]
19. [Final Redemption Amount of each
Note
[•] per Calculation Amount]
20. Early Redemption Amount [•] per Calculation Amount
Early Redemption Amount(s) per
Calculation Amount payable on
redemption for taxation reasons or on
event of default or other early:
GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE NOTES
21. Form of Notes: Bearer Notes:
[Temporary Global Note exchangeable for a
Permanent Global Note which is exchangeable
for Definitive Notes on [•] days' notice/in the
limited circumstances described in the
Permanent Global Note]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 62 -
[Temporary Global Note exchangeable for
Definitive Notes on [•] days' notice]
[Permanent Global Note exchangeable for
Definitive Notes on [•] days' notice/in the limited
circumstances described in the Permanent
Global Note]
[In relation to any Notes issued with a
denomination of EUR100,000 (or equivalent)
and integral multiples of EUR1,000 (or
equivalent), the Permanent Global Note
representing such Notes shall only be
exchangeable for Definitive Notes in the limited
circumstances of (i) Euroclear or Clearstream,
Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing
system closing for business for a continuous
period of 14 days (other than by reason of
holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announcing
an intention permanently to cease business or in
fact doing so and no alternative clearing system
satisfactory to the Trustee is available or (ii) any
of the circumstances described in Condition 13
(Events of Default) occurring and continuing.]
Registered Notes:
[Global Note Certificate exchangeable for
unrestricted Individual Note Certificates on [•]
days' notice/in the limited circumstances
described in the Global Note Certificate]
22. New Global Note: [Yes]/[No]
23. Additional Financial Centre(s): [Not Applicable/[•]]
24. Talons for future Coupons or Receipts to
be attached to Definitive Notes (and dates
on which such Talons mature):
[No/Yes. As the Notes have more than 27
coupon payments, talons may be required if, on
exchange into definitive form, more than 27
coupon payments are left.]
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION
[[•] has been extracted from [•]. The Issuer [and the Guarantor] confirm[s] that such information has been
accurately reproduced and that, so far as it is aware, and is able to ascertain from information published by
[•], no facts have been omitted which would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading.]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 63 -
[For issuances by Compass Group PLC
Signed on behalf of Compass Group PLC:
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised]
[For issuances by Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
Signed on behalf of Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.:
as Issuer
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised]
Signed on behalf of Compass Group PLC:
as Guarantor
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 64 -
PART B – OTHER INFORMATION
1. LISTING AND ADMISSION TO TRADING
Listing and Admission to trading [Application [will be/has been] made by the Issuer
(or on its behalf) for the Notes to be admitted to
trading on the London Stock Exchange's regulated
market and have been admitted to the official list of
the United Kingdom Listing Authority with effect
from [the Issue Date [•]].
2. RATINGS
Ratings: [[The Notes to be issued [have been/are expected to
be] rated]/ [The following ratings reflect ratings
assigned to Notes of this type issued under the
Programme generally]]:
[S&P: [•]]
[Moody's: [•]]
3. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
[•][Sustainable Projects]
4. [INTERESTS OF NATURAL AND LEGAL PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE
ISSUE/OFFER]
[Save as discussed in "Subscription and Sale", so far as the Issuer [and the Guarantor are] [is]
aware, no person involved in the offer of the Notes has an interest material to the offer."]
5. TOTAL EXPENSES AND NET PROCEEDS
(i) Estimated Net Proceeds [•]
(ii) Estimated total expenses: [•]
6. [Fixed Rate Notes only – YIELD
[Not Applicable / Indication of yield: [•]]
7. [Floating Rate Notes only – HISTORIC INTEREST RATES
Details of historic [LIBOR/EURIBOR] rates can be obtained from [Reuters].]
8. OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
ISIN Code: [•]
Common Code: [•]
Any clearing system(s) other than
Euroclear Bank SA/NV and
Clearstream Banking S.A. and the
relevant identification number(s):
[Not Applicable/[•]]
Delivery: Delivery [against/free of] payment
Names and addresses of additional
Paying Agent(s) (if any):
[•]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 65 -
Intended to be held in a manner which
would allow Eurosystem eligibility:
[Yes. Note that the designation "yes" simply means
that the Notes are intended upon issue to be
deposited with one of the ICSDs as common
safekeeper [[, and registered in the name of a
nominee of one of the ICSDs acting as common
safekeeper,] [include this text for registered notes]]
and does not necessarily mean that the Notes will be
recognised as eligible collateral for Eurosystem
monetary policy and intra day credit operations by
the Eurosystem either upon issue or at any or all
times during their life. Such recognition will depend
upon the ECB being satisfied that Eurosystem
eligibility criteria have been met.]
[No. Whilst the designation is specified as "no" at
the date of these Final Terms, should the
Eurosystem eligibility criteria be amended in the
future such that the Notes are capable of meeting
them the Notes may then be deposited with one of
the ICSDs as common safekeeper [[, and registered
in the name of a nominee of one of the ICSDs acting
as common safekeeper,][include this text for
registered notes]]. Note that this does not
necessarily mean that the Notes will then be
recognised as eligible collateral for Eurosystem
monetary policy and intra day credit operations by
the Eurosystem at any time during their life. Such
recognition will depend upon the ECB being
satisfied that Eurosystem eligibility criteria have
been met.]
Relevant Benchmark[s]: [[specify benchmark] is provided by [administrator
legal name]][repeat as necessary]. As at the date
hereof, [[administrator legal name][appears]/[does
not appear]][repeat as necessary] in the register of
administrators and benchmarks established and
maintained by ESMA pursuant to Article 36 of the
Benchmark Regulation]/[As far as the Issuer is
aware, as at the date hereof, [specify benchmark]
does not fall within the scope of the Benchmark
Regulation by virtue of Article 2 of the Benchmark
Regulation] OR [the transitional provisions in
Article 51 of the Benchmark Regulation apply],
such that [administrator legal name] is not currently
required to obtain authorisation or registration (or
if, if located outside the European Union,
recognition, endorsement or equivalence)/[Not
Applicable]
9. DISTRIBUTION
(i) US Selling Restrictions: [Reg. S Compliance Category; TEFRA C/ TEFRA
D/TEFRA not applicable]
(ii) If syndicated, names and
addresses of Managers and
underwriting commitments:
[Not Applicable/[•]]
(iii) Stabilising Manager(s) (if
any):
[Not Applicable/[•]]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 66 -
(iv) If non-syndicated, name and
address of relevant Dealer:
[Not Applicable/[•]]
(v) Additional selling restrictions [Not Applicable/[•]]
(vi) Prohibition of Sales to EEA
and UK Retail Investors:
[Applicable/Not Applicable]
(vii) Prohibition of sales to Belgian
Consumers
[Applicable/Not Applicable]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 67 -
FORM OF PRICING SUPPLEMENT
Set out below is the form of Pricing Supplement which will be completed for each Tranche of Exempt Notes
issued under the Programme.
[PROHIBITION OF SALES TO EEA AND UK RETAIL INVESTORS – The Notes are not intended,
to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made
available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA") or in the United Kingdom ("UK").
For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in
point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the
meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as
defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently no key information document required by
Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Notes
or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or in the UK has been prepared and
therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA
or in the UK may be unlawful under the PRIIPS Regulation.]
[MiFID II product governance/Professional investors and ECPs only target market – Solely for the
purposes of [the/each] manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of
the Notes has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the Notes is eligible counterparties and
professional clients only, each as defined in [Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II")/[MiFID II];
and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Notes to eligible counterparties and professional clients are
appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Notes (a "distributor") should
take into consideration the manufacturer['s/s'] target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to
MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Notes (by either
adopting or refining the manufacturer['s/s'] target market assessment) and determining appropriate
distribution channels.]
[Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification – Solely for the purposes of its obligations
pursuant to sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289 of
Singapore) (the "SFA"), the Issuer has determined, and hereby notifies all relevant persons (as defined in
Section 309A of the SFA) that the Notes are ["prescribed capital markets products "]/["capital markets
products other than prescribed capital markets products"] (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital
Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and ["Excluded Investment Products "]/["Specified Investment
Products"] (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS
Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).]
Pricing Supplement dated [•]
No prospectus is required in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation")
as amended for this issue of Notes. The Financial Conduct Authority, in its capacity as competent authority
under the Prospectus Regulation, has neither approved nor reviewed the information contained in this
Pricing Supplement.
Compass Group PLC
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 2138008M6MH9OZ6U2T68
Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800YZZX39WY5G7M06
£6,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the "Programme")
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed, in the case of Notes issued by Compass Group Finance
Netherlands B.V.,
by Compass Group PLC
Issue of [Aggregate nominal amount of Tranche] [Title of Notes]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 68 -
PART A – CONTRACTUAL TERMS
The Prospectus referred to below (as completed by these Final Terms) has been prepared on the basis that
any offer of Notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area or the UK which has implemented
the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below) (each, "Relevant States") will be made pursuant to an
exemption under the Prospectus Regulation, as implemented in that Relevant State, from the requirement
to publish a prospectus for offers of the Notes. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an
offer in that Relevant State of the Notes may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for
the Issuer[, or the Guarantor] or any Dealer to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus
Regulation (as defined below) or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus
Regulation, in each case, in relation to such offer. Neither the Issuer[, the Guarantor] nor any Dealer have
authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of Notes in circumstances in which an obligation
arises for the Issuer[, the Guarantor] or any Dealer to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer.
This document constitutes the Pricing Supplement of the Notes described herein. This document must be
read in conjunction with the Base Prospectus dated 25 August 2020 [and the supplement(s) to it dated [•]]
(the "Base Prospectus"). This Pricing Supplement contains the final terms of the Notes and must be read
in conjunction with such Base Prospectus.
Copies of the Base Prospectus [and the supplemental Base Prospectus(es)] may be obtained during normal
business hours from the registered office of the Issuer[, the Guarantor] and from the specified office of the
Principal Paying Agent in London.
(The following alternative language applies if the first tranche of an issue which is being increased was
issued under a base prospectus with an earlier date and either (1) the Notes which are the subject of the
Final Terms are not being (a) offered to the public in a member state or the UK (other than pursuant to
one or more of the exemptions set out in Article 1.4 of the Prospectus Regulation) or (b) admitted to trading
on a regulated market in a member state or the UK or (c) admitted to listing or (2) the Conditions (as
defined in the next paragraph) do not contain, by comparison with the Base Prospectus, any "significant
new factor" within the meaning of Article 23.1 of the Prospectus Regulation. If neither (1) nor (2) applies
the Issuer will need to consider effecting the issue by means of a supplement to the Base Prospectus or a
standalone prospectus rather than by Final Terms.)
Terms used herein shall be deemed to be defined as such for the purposes of the Conditions (the
"Conditions") set forth in the Base Prospectus [dated [original date] which are incorporated by reference
in the Base Prospectus].
(The following alternative language applies if the first tranche of an issue which is being increased was
issued under a base prospectus with an earlier date and the relevant terms and conditions from that base
prospectus with an earlier date were incorporated by reference in this Base Prospectus.)
This Pricing Supplement does not constitute, and may not be used for the purposes of, an offer to sell or
the solicitation of an offer to buy any Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not
authorised, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation, and no action is being
taken to permit an offering of the Notes or the distribution of this Pricing Supplement in any jurisdiction
where such action is required.
1. (i) Issuer: [Compass Group PLC/ Compass Group
Finance B.V.]
(ii) [Guarantor]2 Compass Group PLC
2. [(i)] [Series Number]: [•]
[(ii) Tranche: [•]
[(iii) Date on which Notes become
fungible:
Not Applicable/The Notes shall be
consolidated, form a single series and be
interchangeable for trading purposes with the
[•] on [•/the Issue Date/exchange of the
2 Delete row if Notes issued by Compass Group PLC
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 69 -
Temporary Global Note for interests in the
Permanent Global Note, as referred to in
paragraph 21 below [which is expected to
occur on or about [•]]].]
3. Specified Currency or Currencies: [•]
4. Aggregate Nominal Amount: [•]
[(i)] [Series]: [•]
[(ii) Tranche: [•]]
5. Issue Price: [•] per cent. of the Aggregate Nominal
Amount [plus accrued interest from[•] (in the
case of fungible issues only, if applicable)]
6. (i) Specified Denominations: [•]
(No Notes may be issued which have a
minimum denomination of less than EUR
100,000 (or equivalent in another currency))
(In relation to any issue of Notes which have
a Denomination consisting of the minimum
Specified Denomination plus a higher
integral multiple of a smaller amount, the
following language should be used:
[[EUR][100,000] and integral multiples of
[EUR][1,000] in excess thereof up to and
including [EUR][199,000]. No Notes in
Definitive form will be issued with a
denomination above [EUR][199,000].])
(ii) Calculation Amount: [•]
7. (i) Issue Date: [•]
(ii) Interest Commencement Date: [[•]/Issue Date/Not Applicable]
8. Maturity Date: [•] (Specify date or (for Floating Rate Notes)
Interest Payment Date falling in or nearest to
the relevant month and year)
(If the Maturity Date is less than one year
from the Issue Date, the Notes must have a
minimum redemption value of £100,000 (or
its equivalent in Other currencies) and be
sold only to "professional investors" (or
another applicable exemption from section 19
of the FSMA must be available).)
9. Interest Basis: [[•] per cent. Fixed Rate]
[[•] +/– [•] per cent. Floating Rate]
[Zero Coupon]
[other]
10. Redemption/Payment Basis: [Redemption at par]
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 70 -
[Subject to any purchase and cancellation or
early redemption, the Notes will be redeemed
on the Maturity Date at 100 per cent. of their
nominal amount.]
[Instalment Redemption]
[•]
11. Change of Interest: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
12. Put/Call Options: [Investor Put]
[Issuer Call]
13. [Date [Board] approval for issuance of Notes
[and Guarantee respectively]] obtained:
[•][and[•], respectively]
(N.B. Only relevant where Board (or similar)
authorisation is required for the particular
tranche of Notes)
PROVISIONS RELATING TO INTEREST (IF ANY) PAYABLE
14. Fixed Rate Note Provisions [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(If not applicable, delete the remaining sub-
paragraphs of this paragraph)
(i) Rate[(s)] of Interest: [•] per cent. per annum [payable in arrear on
each Interest Payment Date]
(ii) Interest Payment Date(s): [•] in each year [adjusted in accordance with
[specify Business Day Convention and any
applicable Business Centre(s) for the
definition of "Business Day"]/not adjusted]
(iii) Fixed Coupon Amount[(s)]: [•] per Calculation Amount
(iv) Broken Amount(s): [•] per Calculation Amount, payable on the
Interest Payment Date falling [in/on] [•]
(v) Day Count Fraction: [30/360 / Actual/Actual (ICMA) or specify
any other option from the Conditions]
15. Floating Rate Note Provisions [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(If not applicable, delete the remaining sub-
paragraphs of this paragraph)
(i) Specified Period: [[•] in each year, subject to adjustment in
accordance with the Business Day
Convention set out in (iv) below]
(ii) Specified Interest Payment Dates: [[•] in each year, subject to adjustment in
accordance with the Business Day
Convention set out in (iv) below]
(iii) [First Interest Payment Date]: [•]
(iv) Business Day Convention: [FRN Convention / Eurodollar Convention /
Floating Rate Convention / Following
Business Day Convention / Modified
Following Business Day Convention /
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 71 -
Modified Business Day Convention /
Preceding Business Day Convention / No
Adjustment]
(v) Additional Business Centre(s): [Not Applicable/[•]]
(vi) Manner in which the Rate(s) of
Interest is/are to be determined:
[Screen Rate Determination/ISDA
Determination]
(vii) Party responsible for calculating the
Rate(s) of Interest and/or Interest
Amount(s) (if not the [Principal
Paying Agent]):
[•] shall be the Calculation Agent
(viii) Screen Rate Determination: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
• Reference Rate: [•][•] [EURIBOR/LIBOR] / [•]
• Relevant Financial Centre: [•]
• Interest Determination
Date(s):
[•]
• Relevant Screen Page: [•] (For example, Reuters LIBOR 01/
EURIBOR 01)
• Relevant Time: [•] (For example, 11.00 a.m. London
time/Brussels time)
• Relevant Financial Centre: [•] (For example, London/Euro-zone (where
Euro-zone means the region comprised of the
countries whose lawful currency is the euro))
(ix) ISDA Determination: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
• Floating Rate Option: [•]
• Designated Maturity: [•]
• Reset Date: [•]
• ISDA Definitions: [2000/2006]
(x) Margin(s): [+/-][•] per cent. per annum
(xi) Minimum Rate of Interest: [[•] per cent. per annum / Not Applicable]
(xii) Maximum Rate of Interest: [[•] per cent. per annum / Not Applicable]
(xiii) Day Count Fraction: [•]
16. Zero Coupon Note Provisions [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(i) [Amortisation/Accrual] Yield: [•] per cent. per annum
(ii) Reference Price: [•]
(iii) Day Count Fraction in relation to
Early Redemption Amounts and late
payment:
[30E/360] / [•]
(Consider whether it is necessary to specify a
Day Count Fraction for the purposes of
Condition [10(g)])
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 72 -
PROVISIONS RELATING TO REDEMPTION
17. Call Option [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(If not applicable, delete the remaining sub-
paragraphs of this paragraph)
(i) Optional Redemption Date(s): [•]
(ii) Optional Redemption Amount(s) of
each Note:
[[•] per Calculation Amount/Make-Whole
Redemption Amount/Spens Amount]
(If not applicable, delete the remaining sub-
paragraphs of this paragraph)
[(a) Redemption Margin: [•]
[(b) Reference Bond: [•]
[(c) Quotation Time: [•]
[(d) Par Redemption Date: [•]]
(iii) Redeemable in part: [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(a) Minimum Redemption
Amount:
[[•] per Calculation Amount / Not Applicable]
(b) Maximum Redemption
Amount:
[[•] per Calculation Amount / Not Applicable]
(iv) Notice period: [•]
18. Put Option [Applicable/Not Applicable]
(If not applicable, delete the remaining sub-
paragraphs of this paragraph)
(i) Optional Redemption Date(s): [•]
(ii) Optional Redemption Amount(s) of
each Note:
[•] per Calculation Amount
(iii) Notice period: [•]
19. [Final Redemption Amount of each Note [•] per Calculation Amount]
20. Early Redemption Amount
Early Redemption Amount(s) per Calculation
Amount payable on redemption for taxation
reasons or on event of default or other early:
[•] per Calculation Amount
(If both the Early Redemption Amount (Tax)
and the Early Termination Amount are the
principal amount of the Notes/specify the
Early Redemption Amount (Tax) and/or the
Early Termination Amount if different from
the principal amount of the Notes)
LON56926774 021312-0516
- 73 -
GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE NOTES
21. Form of Notes: Bearer Notes:
[Temporary Global Note exchangeable for a
Permanent Global Note which is
exchangeable for Definitive Notes on [•] days'
notice/in the limited circumstances described
in the Permanent Global Note]
[Temporary Global Note exchangeable for
Definitive Notes on [•] days' notice]
[Permanent Global Note exchangeable for
Definitive Notes on [•] days' notice/in the
limited circumstances described in the
Permanent Global Note]
[In relation to any Notes issued with a
denomination of EUR100,000 (or equivalent)
and integral multiples of EUR1,000 (or
equivalent), the Permanent Global Note
representing such Notes shall only be
exchangeable for Definitive Notes in the
limited circumstances of (i) Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other
relevant clearing system closing for business
for a continuous period of 14 days (other than
by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise)
or announcing an intention permanently to
cease business or in fact doing so and no
alternative clearing system satisfactory to the
Trustee is available or (ii) any of the
circumstances described in Condition 13
(Events of Default) occurring and
continuing.]
Registered Notes:
[Global Note Certificate exchangeable for
unrestricted Individual Note Certificates on
[•] days' notice/in the limited circumstances
described in the Global Note Certificate]
22. New Global Note: [Yes]/[No]
23. Additional Financial Centre(s): [Not Applicable/[•]]
24. Talons for future Coupons or Receipts to be
attached to Definitive Notes (and dates on
which such Talons mature):
[No/Yes. As the Notes have more than 27
coupon payments, talons may be required if,
on exchange into definitive form, more than
27 coupon payments are left.]
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION
(Note that this paragraph relates to the date and place of payment, and not interest period end dates.)
[[•] has been extracted from [•]. The Issuer [and the Guarantor] confirm[s] that such information has been
accurately reproduced and that, so far as it is aware, and is able to ascertain from information published by
[•], no facts have been omitted which would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading.]
LON56926774 021312-0516
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[For issuances by Compass Group PLC
Signed on behalf of Compass Group PLC:
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised]
[For issuances by Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
Signed on behalf of Compass Group Finance Netherlands
B.V.: as Issuer
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised
By: ......................................................................
Duly authorised]
Signed on behalf of Compass Group PLC:
as Guarantor
By: ......................................................................
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PART B – OTHER INFORMATION
1. LISTING AND ADMISSION TO TRADING
Listing and Admission to trading [Application [will be/has been] made by the
Issuer (or on its behalf) for the Notes to be
admitted to trading on [•] (which is not a
regulated market for the purposes of Directive
2014/65/EU) [the Issue Date/[•]].
[Not Applicable]
(Where documenting a fungible issue need to
indicate that original Notes are already
admitted to trading.)
2. RATINGS
Ratings: [[The Notes to be issued [have been/are
expected to be] rated]/[The following ratings
reflect ratings assigned to Notes of this type
issued under the Programme generally]]:
[S&P: [•]]
[Moody's: [•]]
(The above disclosure should reflect the
rating allocated to Notes of the type being
issued under the Programme generally or,
where the issue has been specifically rated,
that rating.)
3. OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
ISIN Code: [•]
Common Code: [•]
Any clearing system(s) other than Euroclear
Bank SA/NV and Clearstream Banking S.A.
and the relevant identification number(s):
[Not Applicable/[•]]
Delivery: Delivery [against/free of] payment
Names and addresses of additional Paying
Agent(s) (if any):
[•]
Intended to be held in a manner which would
allow Eurosystem eligibility:
[Yes. Note that the designation "yes" simply
means that the Notes are intended upon issue
to be deposited with one of the ICSDs as
common safekeeper [[, and registered in the
name of a nominee of one of the ICSDs acting
as common safekeeper,] [include this text for
registered notes]] and does not necessarily
mean that the Notes will be recognised as
eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary
policy and intra day credit operations by the
Eurosystem either upon issue or at any or all
times during their life. Such recognition will
depend upon the ECB being satisfied that
LON56926774 021312-0516
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Eurosystem eligibility criteria have been
met.]
[No. Whilst the designation is specified as
"no" at the date of this Pricing Supplement,
should the Eurosystem eligibility criteria be
amended in the future such that the Notes are
capable of meeting them the Notes may then
be deposited with one of the ICSDs as
common safekeeper [[, and registered in the
name of a nominee of one of the ICSDs acting
as common safekeeper,][include this text for
registered notes]]. Note that this does not
necessarily mean that the Notes will then be
recognised as eligible collateral for
Eurosystem monetary policy and intra day
credit operations by the Eurosystem at any
time during their life. Such recognition will
depend upon the ECB being satisfied that
Eurosystem eligibility criteria have been
met.]
Relevant Benchmark[s]: [[specify benchmark] is provided by
[administrator legal name]][repeat as
necessary]. As at the date hereof,
[[administrator legal name][appears]/[does
not appear]][repeat as necessary] in the
register of administrators and benchmarks
established and maintained by ESMA
pursuant to Article 36 of the Benchmark
Regulation]/[As far as the Issuer is aware, as
at the date hereof, [specify benchmark] does
not fall within the scope of the Benchmark
Regulation by virtue of Article 2 of the
Benchmark Regulation] OR [the transitional
provisions in Article 51 of the Benchmark
Regulation apply], such that [administrator
legal name] is not currently required to obtain
authorisation or registration (or if, if located
outside the European Union, recognition,
endorsement or equivalence)/[Not
Applicable]
4. DISTRIBUTION
(i) US Selling Restrictions [Reg. S Compliance Category; TEFRA C/
TEFRA D/TEFRA not applicable]
(ii) If syndicated, names and addresses
of Managers and underwriting
commitments:
[Not Applicable/[•]]
(iii) Stabilising Manager(s) (if any): [Not Applicable/[•]]
(iv) If non-syndicated, name and address
of relevant Dealer:
[Not Applicable/[•]]
(v) Additional selling restriction [Not Applicable/[•]]
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(vi) Prohibition of Sales to EEA and UK
Retail Investors:
[Applicable/Not Applicable]
(vii) Prohibition of sales to Belgian
Consumers
[Applicable/Not Applicable]
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Compass Group Finance B.V. will use the net proceeds from the Notes issued by it for its general corporate
purposes, or as may otherwise be disclosed in the applicable Final Terms. Compass PLC will use the net
proceeds from Notes issued by it and received from Compass Group Finance B.V. for its general corporate
purposes, or as may otherwise be disclosed in the applicable Final Terms. In particular, if so specified in
the applicable Final Terms, Compass Group Finance B.V. or Compass PLC, as appropriate, will apply the
net proceeds from an offer of Notes specifically for Sustainable Projects. Such Notes may also be referred
to as "Sustainable Bonds".
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DESCRIPTION OF COMPASS GROUP FINANCE NETHERLANDS B.V.
Information about Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
General
Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V. ("Compass Group Finance B.V.") is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Compass PLC. It is not an operating company.
Compass Group Finance B.V. is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte
aansprakelijkheid) with its official seat in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and principal place of business at
Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Compass Group Finance B.V. is registered
with the Dutch trade register under number 71916970 and was incorporated on 19 June 2018. Compass
Group Finance B.V. operates under Dutch law.
The business
Compass Group Finance B.V.'s main activities include: incorporating, participating in any way whatsoever,
managing, supervising business and companies; financing affiliated organisations; borrowing from and/or
lending to and/or raising funds for affiliated organisations including issuing bonds, promissory notes and
other securities; rendering advice and services to businesses and companies with which Compass Group
Finance B.V. forms a group and to third parties; granting guarantees and pledging its assets for obligations
of Compass Group Finance B.V., companies with which it forms a group and/or third parties; acquiring,
alienating, managing and exploiting registered property and items of property in general; trading in
currencies, securities and items of property in general; developing and trading in patents, trademarks,
licences, know-how and other intellectual and industrial property rights; and performing any and all
activities of an industrial, financial or commercial nature.
Organisational Structure
The management board of Compass Group Finance B.V. is made up of two members. The management
board of Compass Group Finance B.V. manages the business of Compass Group Finance B.V. subject to
constitutional and legislative restrictions.
As at the date of this Base Prospectus, the members of the management board of Compass Group Finance
B.V. are:
Name Function Principal other activities outside Compass Group
Finance B.V.
Pieter Nicolaas Frans Director Holds a number of directorships within the Group
Hendrika Antonia Maria
Troost-Bosboom
Director Holds a number of directorships within the Group
The members of the management board have no potential conflicts of interest between any duties owed to
Compass Group Finance B.V. and their private interests or other duties.
Shareholders
Compass Group Finance B.V. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Compass Group International B.V.
(“Compass B.V.”) and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Compass PLC. Compass B.V. is directly
owned by Compass Overseas Holdings No. 2 Limited ("COH2") and Compass Overseas Holdings Limited
("COH"), which each hold 50 per cent. of the issued share capital of Compass B.V. COH2 holds 88.6 per
cent of the issued share capital of COH, while the remaining 11.4 per cent is held by Compass Group
Holdings PLC ("CGH PLC"). CGH PLC owns the entire issued share capital of COH2. CGH PLC is
owned by Hospitality Holdings Limited ("HHL"), which holds 99.938 per cent of the issued share capital,
while the remaining 0.062 per cent of the issued share capital in CGH PLC is held by Compass PLC.
Compass PLC owns the entire issued share capital of HHL.
The issued share capital of Compass Group Finance B.V. is €2,000,000 consisting of 2,000,000 ordinary
shares of €1.00 each.
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DESCRIPTION OF COMPASS GROUP PLC
General
Compass Group PLC ("Compass PLC") is the holding company of the Compass Group of companies (the
"Compass Group" or the "Group"), a foodservice and support services organisation, with annual revenues
of £24.9 billion (in the financial year ending 30 September 2019).
Compass PLC was incorporated on 29 September 2000 in the United Kingdom and operates under English
law. It was initially registered under the name of Compass Demerger Limited prior to changing its name to
Compass Group PLC and re-registering as a public limited company (with the registered number 4083914)
under the Companies Act 1985 on 30 November 2000. Compass PLC was listed on the London Stock
Exchange on 2 February 2001.
The registered office of Compass PLC is Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BQ.
The telephone number of Compass PLC's registered office is +44 (0)1932 573 000.
History
The origins of Compass PLC's business activities can be traced back to Factory Canteens Limited, which
was founded in the United Kingdom in 1941 to feed munitions workers. The business was acquired by
Grand Metropolitan in the late 1960s and a management buy-out from Grand Metropolitan followed in
1987, with the then Compass Group PLC ("Former Compass Group") listing on the London Stock
Exchange in December 1988. This company became a member of the FTSE100 in 1998.
On 27 July 2000, Former Compass Group and Granada Group PLC ("Granada") merged to create Granada
Compass PLC (the "Merger"). Following the Merger, in February 2001 the hospitality and media
businesses of Granada Compass PLC were separated by means of a demerger (the "Demerger").
The Demerger created two groups with separate listings on the London Stock Exchange:
• Granada Compass PLC (renamed Granada PLC) – a major independent media group; and
• Compass Group - one of the world's leading hospitality groups.
The Compass Group has since grown organically and through acquisitions to become a foodservice and
support services company. In the year ending 30 September 2019, Compass Group employed around
600,000 people and served approximately 5.5 billion meals to clients and consumers in 45 countries across
the world.
Business Overview
Foodservice is the Group's focus and core competence. The Group takes a pragmatic and targeted approach
to other support services, developing strategies on a country by country basis. The Group has a globally
diversified business and the Group seeks to achieve scale in the countries in which it operates to help drive
efficiencies. The Group's global spread enables it both to benefit from the global trend to outsourcing and
to serve its multinational clients. The Group segments the market and creates sectors and sub-sectors to
develop customised dining solutions that meet the requirements of a growing range of clients and
consumers and continues to focus on cost efficiencies to drive margin and re-investment of free cash flow
to drive growth. In tandem with its concentration on organic growth the Group plans to continue to look to
make selective bolt-on acquisitions with a preference for small to medium sized opportunities. The Group
also plans to make some targeted disposals or business closures in order to simplify its portfolio and focus
on food, its core competence, in its key markets. Any such sale and closure of businesses will be considered
based on potential, be that market growth, scalability, or compatibility with the Group's position and
capability.
Performance, People and Purpose
Since the introduction of its strategic focus on Performance, People and Purpose in November 2018, the
Group has made good progress improving the long-term quality and sustainability of the business.
Performance relates to the Group’s desire to continue to drive growth and to further consolidate its
competitive advantage and its position as an efficient provider. This allows the Group to offer clients and
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consumers value and to create more compelling and innovative solutions reflecting the latest trends in the
market. People reflects the Group’s desire to attract and develop strong leaders and unit managers, create
positive and inclusive work places, and foster a diverse workforce that mirrors the communities in which it
operates. The Group is committed to give its people the safest and fairest environment in which to work.
Purpose addresses the Group’s social and sustainability responsibilities. As well as prioritising safety, the
Group seeks to work with suppliers to source responsibly, and target actions that make the greatest
environmental difference and enrich local communities.
Market Sectors
The Group provides food service and support services to clients and consumers at work, at schools and
universities, in hospitals and senior living communities, at sporting and cultural events, or in remote
environments. The Group segments its markets into the following sectors: Business & Industry, Education,
Healthcare and Senior Living, Sports & Leisure and Defence, Offshore & Remote. The Group recognises
that each sector has specific requirements and assigns specialists to drive tailor-made solutions and
operating efficiency. The Group has developed sector and sub-sector specific operating businesses to enable
it to focus on the different requirements of its clients:
Business & Industry
In this sector the Group provides a choice of quality, nutritious and well-balanced food for its clients'
employees throughout the working day, be they in offices, at distribution centres, at factories or in any other
work environment. The Group works closely with clients to define and deliver the most appropriate solution
– from restaurants and café style outlets to coffee bars and vending.
Also included within this sector is "Fine Dining", where the Group works with renowned chefs to bring
their expertise to customers in executive dining rooms and to provide hospitality for social and cultural
events.
In addition, where clients seek broader service offerings, the Group can deliver a range of support services
on an international scale.
Sector brands include: Eurest, Restaurant Associates, Bon Appétit, and Flik.
Healthcare & Seniors
In this sector the Group provides foodservices to patients, staff and visitors in hospitals and nursing and
residential homes in the public and private sectors. The Group uses the very highest standards of food safety
and hygiene and works with clinical staff to understand and meet the nutritional needs of patients and
residents. The Group also provides a range of complementary support services including cleaning and
housekeeping.
Sector brands include: Medirest, Crothall and Morrison.
Education
Within the Education sector the Group provides catering and support services to schools, colleges and
universities. Its "Eat, Learn, Live" philosophy embodies its commitment to offer students healthy eating
options and nutrition education, while contributing to a sustainable world.
Sector brands include: Chartwells, Bon Appétit and Flik.
Sports & Leisure
The Group provides quality foodservice at some of the world's most prestigious sporting and leisure venues,
visitor attractions and social events. In addition, the Group delivers the specialist in-house expertise and
resources to provide a single source for the marketing and management of corporate hospitality packages.
Sector brand: Levy.
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Defence, Offshore & Remote Sites
In the remote and offshore sectors the Group delivers food and support services to major companies in the
oil, gas, mining and construction industries operating in some of the most demanding environments in the
world.
In the defence sector, the Group operates outside of areas of conflict.
Sector brand: ESS Support Services Worldwide.
Consumer Brands
In addition to its client-facing sector brands, the Group creates, maintains and develops a portfolio of its
own consumer-facing brands. To complement the Group's in-house brands in certain markets and countries,
the Group leverages its scale to operate major "high-street" consumer brands (for example Marks &
Spencer, Subway, Costcutter, Costa and Starbucks) from its clients' premises. These are normally operated
on a franchise basis, which enables the Group to combine its market expertise and service skills with the
consumer awareness of such brands.
Clients
The Group caters to a large and diverse client base, including a number of global and multinational
companies such as Microsoft, Google, Shell, Chevron and IBM.
Contracts with clients are principally based on a cost-plus, profit and loss or fixed price model, with
revenues distributed broadly equally between the three models. Input cost increases are passed on to clients
under the cost-plus model and, where permitted by contractual indexation clauses, under the fixed price
model. The profit and loss model allows the Group to seek to renegotiate prices, subject to competitive
pressures, in the event of an increase in input costs.
Geographical Diversification
The Group has a globally diversified business that operates in 45 countries around the world. Based on
internal estimates the Group believes that it is the contract foodservice market leader in the United States,
the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Canada, Australia and Brazil and that it is either the second or
third largest operator in France and Spain.
The Group's operations are managed on a country by country basis, and it has reported in its consolidated
financial statements (including in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30
September 2019) through three regions: (i) North America; (ii) Europe and (iii) Rest of World.
Based on the twelve months ended 30 September 2019, North America was the Group's largest region
accounting for approximately 62.4 per cent of revenue, followed by Europe with approximately 23.3 per
cent and Rest of World with approximately 14.3 per cent.
Management and Performance ("MAP") framework
In 2006, the Group launched its MAP framework which it continues to implement. MAP is a simple, but
clearly defined, Group operating framework. It focuses on five key value drivers, enabling the businesses
to deliver disciplined, profitable growth with the focus more on organic growth and like for like growth, as
well as cost control.
The five key value drivers are:
Client Sales and Marketing (MAP1): delivering profitable growth from existing and new clients and
developing the Group's penetration into chosen markets. Through MAP 1 the Group invests in sales and
retention and is increasingly sectorising and sub-sectoring the business around the world to allow it to get
closer to its customers. This approach allows the Group to develop bespoke offers that best meet clients'
needs.
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Consumer Sales and Marketing (MAP 2): driving growth in consumer volume and spending through
innovation, pricing and retail skills. MAP 2 focuses on developing intelligent marketing programmes and
training schemes in order to attract and satisfy the customer base with strong consumer propositions.
Cost of Food (MAP 3): buying the optimal quality and range of food at the lowest cost to meet the needs of
customers, with the most efficient distribution and in unit preparation. In addition to the benefits of scale
in food procurement, MAP 3 addresses cost efficiencies through careful menu planning and by rationalising
the number of products bought and the number of suppliers products are bought from.
Unit Costs (MAP 4): delivering the right level of service in the most efficient way, focusing on labour
scheduling techniques and improving productivity and controlling other unit costs.
Above Unit Overheads (MAP 5): creating a simpler but highly effective management structure with fewer
layers and less bureaucracy.
The MAP framework has been highly successful in delivering and improving financial performance.
Competitive position
The global foodservice market is a highly fragmented market with relatively low contractor penetration and
only a few truly global participants. The aggregate total revenues based on the latest published financial
information of the largest four foodservice providers (Compass Group, Sodexo, Elior and Aramark) are
estimated to be approximately £60 billion. Compass Group's total revenues are the largest of the principal
operators, representing approximately 40 per cent. of these aggregate total revenues.
Recent developments
Compass Group's organic revenue growth was 6.4 per cent in the year ended 30 September 2019 and was
1.6 per cent. for the six month period ending 31 March 2020.
From March 2020 the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Compass Group’s
business. By 31 March 2020, between 45 per cent. and 50 per cent. of Compass Group’s operations were
closed as Governments throughout the world implemented lock-down measures to protect their populations
against the spread of the virus. Dependent on sector and region, Compass Group’s business has been re-
opening since 31 March 2020, with approximately 55 per cent. of its business open by the end of May 2020
and approximately 60 per cent. open by the end of June 2020.
In response to the ongoing crisis Compass Group has taken a number of steps including raising £2 billion
through an equity placing in order to secure liquidity and strengthen its balance sheet. The proceeds of the
equity placing were used to repay certain financing Compass Group had previously obtained in order to
mitigate the potential impact of COVID-19, including repaying a £600 million drawing under the Bank of
England’s COVID Corporate Financing Facility ("CCFF"), repaying £201 million drawn under credit
facilities and repaying £42 million of maturing commercial paper. As at 30 June 2020, Compass Group’s
net debt was £3.2 billion3 (compared to £4.3 billion as at 30 September 2019) and its total liquidity was
£5.0 billion (comprised of £2.8 billion in undrawn credit facilities, confirmed eligibility under CCFF for
£600 million and £1.6 billion in cash).
Compass Group has also secured waivers of the financial covenant tests in Compass Group’s US Private
Placement agreements in respect of the reporting dates falling in September 2020 and March 2021 (the
interest cover test will still apply as at the March 2021 reporting date but on pro-forma six-month basis).
Lastly, Compass Group has introduced cost-cutting measures intended to save around £500 million per
month and the interim and final dividends scheduled for 2021 have been cancelled.
On 24 March 2020, Standard & Poor’s confirmed that Compass Group’s long-term rating remains at A and
changed the Outlook from Stable to Negative. Compass Group’s long-term rating from Moody’s remains
at A3 (Stable Outlook).
From 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020, no ordinary shares of Compass PLC were repurchased. Shares
held in treasury are not eligible to participate in dividends and do not carry any voting rights.
3 Calculated on an IFRS16 basis.
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During the period from 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020, Compass Group completed several disposals
generating proceeds of £39 million and spent £446 million on bolt-on acquisitions, principally in the Nordic
region through the acquisition of Fazer Food Services for consideration of £364 million. Fazer Food
Services is a leading foodservice provider in the Nordic region with operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway
and Denmark and across several sectors including Business & Industry, Education, Healthcare, Seniors and
Defence. Compass Group expects that Fazer Food Services' focus on food and culinary innovation will
further strengthen Compass Group’s existing offering in the Nordic region and will enable it to create more
compelling and innovative solutions for its clients and consumers.
Organisational Structure
All companies listed below are wholly owned by Compass PLC, except where otherwise indicated. All
companies operate principally in their country of incorporation.
Principal subsidiaries
Country of
incorporation Principal activities
Compass Group Canada Ltd.
Groupe Compass Canada Ltée
Canada Food and support services
Bon Appétit Management Co. USA Food service
Compass Group USA Investments
Inc.
USA Holding company
Compass Group USA, Inc. USA Food and support services
Crothall Services Group USA Support services to the healthcare market
Flik International Corp. USA Fine dining facilities
Foodbuy, LLC USA Purchasing services in North America
Levy Restaurants Limited
Partnership
USA Fine dining and food service at sports and
entertainment facilities
Morrison Management Specialists,
Inc.
USA Food service to the healthcare and senior
living market
Restaurant Associates Corp. USA Fine dining facilities
Compass Group France Holdings
SAS
France Holding company
Compass Group France SAS France Food and support services
Compass Group Deutschland
GmbH
Germany Holding company
Medirest GmbH & Co OHG Germany Food service to the healthcare and senior
living market
Eurest Deutschland GmbH Germany Food service to business and industry
Eurest Services GmbH Germany Support services to business and industry
Compass Group Italia S.p.A Italy Food service, support services
Seiyo Food – Compass Group, Inc. Japan Food and support services
Compass Group International B.V. Netherlands Holding company
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Principal subsidiaries
Country of
incorporation Principal activities
Compass Group Nederland B.V. Netherlands Food and support services
Compass Group Nederland
Holding B.V.
Netherlands Holding company
Compass Group Holdings Spain,
S.L.
Spain Holding company
Compass Group (Schweiz) AG Switzerland Food and support services
Restorama AG Switzerland Food service
Compass Contract Services (U.K.)
Limited
England & Wales Food and support services
Compass Group Holdings PLC England & Wales Holding company and corporate activities
Compass Group, UK and Ireland
Limited
England & Wales Holding company
FoodBuy Europe Limited England & Wales Purchasing Services
Hospitality Holdings Limited4 England & Wales Intermediate holding company
Compass Group (Australia) Pty
Limited
Australia Food and support services
GR Serviços e Alimentação Ltda. Brazil Food and support services
Compass Holding Norge AS Norway Food and support services
Compass Group Belgilux SA Belgium Food and support services
Compass Catering Y Servicos
Chile Limitada
Chile Food and support services
Sofra Yemek Üretim Ve Hizmet
A.Ş.
Turkey Food and support services
Administrative, Management and Supervisory Bodies
Name and Functions
The Board of Directors is made up of eleven members, comprising the Chairman, three executive directors
and seven non-executive directors together with the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. The
Board manages the business of the Compass Group and may, subject to the Articles of Association and
applicable legislation, borrow money, guarantee, indemnify, mortgage or charge the business, property,
assets (present and future) and issue debentures and other securities and give security, whether outright or
as a collateral security, for any debt, liability or obligation of Compass PLC or of any third party.
As at 25 August 2020, the members of the Board of Directors of Compass PLC are:
4 Held directly by Compass PLC.
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Name Function Principal other activities outside Compass PLC
Paul Walsh Chairman Non-executive director of McDonald’s Corporation
and FedEx Corporation and a director of Bespoke
Capital Acquisition Corp. (a special purpose
acquisition company) Advisor to TPG Capital LLP
("TPG") affiliates and, at times, a nominee director of
various companies, as required by TPG. Chairman of
Chime Communications Limited and of McLaren
Group Limited (a private company).
Dominic Blakemore Group Chief
Executive
Non-executive director and Chairman of the Audit
Committee of London Stock Exchange Group and a
member of the Council of University College London.
Karen Witts Group Chief
Financial
Officer
None.
Gary Green Group Chief
Operating
Officer, North
America
None.
John Bason Senior
Independent
Non-executive
director
Finance Director of Associated British Foods plc; and
Chairman of the charity FareShare.
Stefan Bomhard Non-executive
director
Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Brands PLC.
Carol Arrowsmith Non-executive
director
Non-executive director of Centrica plc and Vivo
Energy PLC, director and trustee of Northern Ballet
Limited and director Arrowsmith Advisory Limited.
Member of the Advisory Group for Spencer Stuart.
Nelson Silva Non-executive
director
Non-executive director of Nutrien Ltd, Altera
Infrastructure L.P. (a private company) and Cosan
Limited and an advisor to Appian Capital Advisory
LLP and HSB Solomon Associates LLP.
Ireena Vittal Non-executive
director
Non-executive Director of Godrej Consumer Products
Limited, WIPRO Limited, Titan Company Limited
and Housing Development Finance Corporation
Limited.
Anne-Francoise Nesmes Non-executive
director
Chief financial officer of Smith & Nephew plc.
John Bryant Non-executive
director
Non-executive director of Ball Corporation and
Macy’s Inc.
Addresses of the Directors
The service address of the Directors is c/o Compass Group PLC, Compass House, Guildford Street,
Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BQ.
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Conflicts of Interest
As at the date of this Base Prospectus, the above mentioned Directors do not have potential conflicts of
interests between any duties to Compass PLC and their private interests or other duties.
Major Shareholders
The Group's shares are quoted on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker "CPG". As at 30 September
2019, the Group had a market capitalisation of approximately £33 billion. The table below highlights the
major shareholdings in the Group as notified to it in accordance with the regulations of the UK Listing
Authority as at 24 August 2020.
per cent of Compass PLC
per cent of issued Compass PLC's
capital voting rights
Blackrock, Inc 9.99 per cent 9.99 per cent
Artisan Partners Limited
Partnership
5.01 per cent 5.01 per cent
Massachusetts Financial
Services Company
4.60 per cent 4.60 per cent
Invesco Limited 4.95 per cent 4.95 per cent
Compass PLC is not aware of any arrangement the effect of which would result in a change of control of
Compass PLC.
Litigation
On 21 October 2005, Compass PLC announced that it had instructed Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
to conduct an investigation into the relationships between Eurest Support Services ("ESS") (a member of
the Group), IHC Services Inc. ("IHC") and the United Nations (the "UN"). Ernst & Young LLP assisted
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in this investigation. On 1 February 2006, it was announced that the
investigation had concluded.
The investigation established serious irregularities in connection with contracts awarded to ESS by the UN.
The work undertaken by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Ernst & Young LLP gave no reason to
believe that these issues extended beyond a few individuals within ESS to other parts of ESS or the wider
Compass Group of companies.
The Group settled all outstanding civil litigation against it, in relation to this matter, in October 2006, but
litigation continues between competitors of ESS, IHC and other parties involved in UN procurement.
IHC's relationship with the UN and ESS was part of a wider investigation into UN procurement activity
being conducted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, and with
which the Group co-operated fully. The current status of that investigation is uncertain and a matter for the
US authorities. Those investigators could have had access to sources unavailable to the Group, Freshfields
Bruckhaus Deringer LLP or Ernst & Young LLP, and further information may yet emerge which is
inconsistent with, or additional to, the findings of the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP investigation,
which could have an adverse impact on the Group. The Group has however not been contacted by, or
received further requests for information from, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District
of New York in connection with these matters since January 2006. The Group has cooperated fully with
the UN through-out.
The Group is also involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to the nature of its business and
maintains insurance cover to reduce financial risk associated with claims related to these proceedings.
Where appropriate, provisions are made to cover any potential uninsured losses.
The increasingly complex international corporate tax environment and an increase in audit activity from
tax authorities means that the potential for tax uncertainties and disputes has increased. The Group is
currently subject to a number of audits and reviews in jurisdictions around the world that primarily relate
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to complex corporate tax issues. None of these tax audits is currently expected to have a material impact
on the Group’s financial position. In addition, the Group continues to engage with tax authorities and other
regulatory bodies on both payroll and sales tax reviews, and compliance with labour laws and regulations.
The Group currently does not expect any of these to have a material impact on its financial position.
In April 2019, the European Commission published its final decision on the Group Financing Exemption
in the UK’s Controlled Foreign Company legislation concluding that part of the legislation is in breach of
EU State Aid rules. Like many other multinational groups that have acted in accordance with the UK
legislation in force at the time, the Group may be affected. The UK government and UK-based multinational
companies, including the Group, have appealed to the General Court of the European Union against the
decision. The UK government is required to start collection proceedings in advance of the appeal results
and it is possible that the Group will be required to make a payment in the financial year ending 30
September 2020. At present it is not possible to determine the amount that the UK government will seek to
collect. If the decision of the European Commission is upheld, the Group has calculated its maximum
potential liability to be £113 million at 30 September 2019. The final impact on the Group remains uncertain
and its current assessment is that no provision is required.
During the course of the financial year ended 30 September 2019, the federal tax authorities in Brazil have
issued a number of notices of deficiency which the Group has formally objected to and which are now
proceeding through the appeals process. These assessments relate primarily to the PIS (Programme of
Social Integration) / COFINS (Contribution for the Financing of Social Security) treatment of certain food
costs and the corporate income tax treatment of goodwill deductions. As at 30 September 2019, the total
amount assessed in respect of these matters is £44 million. The possibility of further assessments cannot be
ruled out and the judicial process is likely to take a number of years to conclude. Based on the opinion of
its local legal advisors, the Group does not currently consider it likely that it will have to settle a liability
with respect to these matters, and on this basis no provision was recorded as at 30 September 2019. The
Group does not currently expect any of these issues to have a material impact on its financial position.
Material Contracts
The Compass Group has not entered into any material contracts in areas outside of its ordinary course of
business which could result in any member of the Compass Group being under an obligation or an
entitlement that is material to Compass PLC's ability to meet its obligations to holders of the Notes issued
under the Programme, or, as the case may be, its obligations under the Guarantee.
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ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Compass Group uses underlying and other alternative performance measures ("APMs") which are not
recognised by generally accepted accounting principles such as IFRS. Underlying and alternative
performance measures are presented as additional financial measures used by management, as they provide
relevant information in assessing Compass Group's performance, position and cash flows. Compass Group
believes that these measures enable investors to more clearly track the core operational performance of
Compass Group, by separating out items of income or expenditure relating to acquisitions, sale and closure
of business, capital items and excluding currency translation effects, while providing investors with a clear
basis for assessing Compass Group's ability to raise debt and invest in new business opportunities. Compass
Group's management uses these financial measures, along with IFRS financial measures, in evaluating the
operating performance of Compass Group as a whole and the individual business segments. Underlying
and alternative performance measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for,
financial information presented in compliance with IFRS. The measures may not be directly comparable to
similarly reported measures by other companies.
The alternative performance measures used are:
Alternative
Performance
Measure Definition of APM Method of calculation5 Rationale for inclusion
Organic Revenue Organic Revenue adjusts
revenue to account for
acquisitions, sale and
closure of business and
exchange rate
movements.
Calculated by adjusting
underlying revenue for
acquisitions (excluding
current year acquisitions
and including a full
period in respect of prior
year acquisitions), sale
and closure of business
(excluded from both
periods) and exchange
rate movements
(translating the prior
period at current year
exchange rates).
(See Note 35 of the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Organic Revenue adjusts
revenue to account for
acquisitions, sale and
closure of business and
exchange rate
movements.
Organic Revenue
Growth
Organic Revenue Growth
compares the current
year's Organic Revenue
to the prior year's.
Calculated by deducting
the prior year's organic
revenue from the current
year's organic revenue,
divided by the prior year's
organic revenue,
multiplied by 100.
(See Note 35 of the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of organic
revenue growth.
Underlying
Operating Profit
Underlying Operating
Profit includes share of
profit after tax of
associates, profit before
tax of joint ventures but
Revenue less operating
costs plus share of profit
after tax of associates,
profit before tax of joint
ventures but excluding
Key operating measure.
5 Reconciliations are made to Compass PLC's audited consolidated annual financial statements (including the auditor's report
thereon and notes thereto) for the financial years ended 30 September 2019, as incorporated by reference (the "2019 financial
statements").
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Alternative
Performance
Measure Definition of APM Method of calculation5 Rationale for inclusion
excludes amortisation of
intangibles arising on
acquisition, acquisition
transaction costs,
adjustment to contingent
consideration on
acquisition, share based
payments expense (non-
controlling interest put
options), one off costs
relating to Guaranteed
Minimum Pension
obligations and cost
action programme.
amortisation of
intangibles arising on
acquisition, acquisition
transaction costs,
adjustment to contingent
consideration on
acquisition, share based
payments expense (non-
controlling interest put
options), one off costs
relating to Guaranteed
Minimum Pension
obligations and cost
action programme.
(See Note 34 of the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Operating Profit
Margin or
Margin
Operating Profit Margin
is based on revenue and
underlying operating
profit as defined above.
Underlying operating
profit calculated as per
the above, divided by
revenue.
(See the reconciliation of
operating profit margin
below on page 93 for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of the efficiency
of the Group's operations.
Free Cash Flow Operating cash flow
including the effects of
interest, tax and
dividends.
Calculated by adjusting
underlying operating
profit for non-cash items
in profit, cash movements
in provisions, contract
prepayments and costs to
obtain client contracts,
post employment benefit
obligations and working
capital, cash purchases
and proceeds from
disposal of non-current
assets, net cash interest,
net cash tax, dividends
received from joint
ventures and associated
undertakings, and
dividends paid to non-
controlling interests.
(See the reconciliation of
free cash flow in the
consolidated cash flow
statement in the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of the level of
cash derived from the
Group's operations after
tax and financing costs.
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Alternative
Performance
Measure Definition of APM Method of calculation5 Rationale for inclusion
Free Cash Flow
Conversion
Free Cash Flow
expressed as a percentage
of Underlying Operating
Profit.
Free cash flow divided by
underlying operating
profit, multiplied by 100.
(See the reconciliation of
free cash flow conversion
below on page 93 for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of the
conversion of profit into
cash.
Net Debt Bank overdrafts, bank
and other borrowings,
lease liabilities and
derivative financial
instruments, net of cash
and cash equivalents.
Bank overdrafts, bank
and other borrowings,
lease liabilities and
derivative financial
instruments, net of cash
and cash equivalents.
(See Note 27 of the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of the Group's
indebtedness.
EBITDA Earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation and
amortisation.
Underlying operating
profit adding back
amortisation of intangible
assets and depreciation of
property, plant and
equipment.
(See statutory and
underlying results table
on page 35 of the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of the Group's
cash operating profit.
Operating Cash
Flow
Underlying operating
profit as defined above,
adjusted for capex spend,
working capital flows and
non-cash items.
Underlying operating
profit as defined above,
adjusted for capex spend,
working capital flows and
non-cash items.
(See the reconciliation of
operating cash flow
conversion below on page
93 for numerical
reconciliation.)
Measure of the cash
derived from the Group's
operations.
Operating Cash
Flow Conversion
Operating Cash Flow
expressed as a percentage
of Underlying Operating
Profit.
Operating cash flow
divided by underlying
operating profit,
multiplied by 100.
(See the reconciliation of
operating cash flow
conversion below on page
93 for numerical
reconciliation.)
Measure of the
conversion of operating
profit into cash.
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Alternative
Performance
Measure Definition of APM Method of calculation5 Rationale for inclusion
Constant
Currency
Restates the prior year
results to current year's
average exchange rates.
Translating prior year
results in local currency
using current year's
average rates.
Removes the impact of
foreign exchange in
comparing year on year
results.
Gross Capital
Expenditure
("Gross
CAPEX")
Cash purchases of non-
current assets.
Cash purchases of
intangible assets, contract
fulfilment assets,
property, plant and
equipment, including
assets purchased under
finance leases, and
investment in contract
prepayments.
(See statutory and
underlying results table
on page 35 of the 2019
Financial Statements for
numerical reconciliation.)
Measure of the
investment in tangible
and intangible assets.
Net Capital
Expenditure
(“Net CAPEX”)
Cash purchases less
proceeds from disposal of
non-current assets.
Cash purchases less
proceeds from disposal of
intangible assets, contract
fulfilment assets,
property, plant and
equipment and
investment in contract
prepayments.
(See the reconciliation of
Net CAPEX below on
page 93 for numerical
reconciliation.)
Measure of the
investment in tangible
and intangible assets.
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Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow Conversion
2019
(£m)
Underlying operating profit 1,882
Underlying free cash flow 1,247
%
Free cash flow conversion 66
Reconciliation of Operating Profit Margin
2019
(£m)
Underlying operating profit (excluding
associates)
1,863
Underlying revenue 25,152
%
Operating profit margin (excluding associates) 7.4
Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow
2019
(£m)
Underlying operating profit 1,882
Depreciation and amortisation 577
Net capex (1,153)
Net cash flow 1,306
Trade working capital 154
Provisions 95
Other 0
Operating cash flow 1,555
Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow Conversion
2019
(£m)
Operating cash flow 1,555
Underlying operating profit 1,882
%
Operating cash flow conversion 83
Reconciliation of Net CAPEX
2019
(£m)
Gross CAPEX 853
Proceeds from disposal of CAPEX (47)
Net CAPEX 806
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TAXATION
The tax laws of the investor’s state and of the relevant Issuer’s and/or the Guarantor’s (if applicable) state
of incorporation and / or tax residence might have an impact on the income received from the securities.
Prospective purchasers of Notes should consult their own tax advisers as to which countries' tax laws could
be relevant to acquiring, holding and disposing of Notes and receiving payments of interest, principal
and/or other amounts under the Notes and the consequences of such actions under the tax laws of those
countries
United Kingdom Taxation
A Introduction
The following is a summary of the United Kingdom withholding taxation treatment at the date hereof in
relation to payments of principal and interest in respect of the Notes and the Guarantee of the Notes. It is
based on current law and the practice of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs ("HMRC"), which may be
subject to change, sometimes with retrospective effect. The comments do not deal with other United
Kingdom tax aspects of acquiring, holding or disposing of Notes. The comments relate only to the position
of persons who are absolute beneficial owners of the Notes and Coupons and may not apply to certain
classes of persons such as dealers or certain professional investors or persons connected with either of the
Issuers and/or the Guarantor. They assume there will be no substitution of either of the Issuers and/or the
Guarantor and do not consider the tax consequences of any such substitution.
Prospective Noteholders should be aware that the particular terms of issue of any series of Notes as specified
in the relevant Final Terms may affect the tax treatment of that and other series of Notes. The following is
a general guide for information purposes and should be treated with appropriate caution. It is not intended
as tax advice and it does not purport to describe all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a
prospective Noteholder. Noteholders who are in any doubt as to their tax position should consult their
professional advisers. Noteholders who may be liable to taxation in jurisdictions other than the United
Kingdom in respect of their acquisition, holding or disposal of the Notes or in respect of the Guarantee of
the Notes are particularly advised to consult their professional advisers as to whether they are so liable (and
if so under the laws of which jurisdictions), since the following comments relate only to certain United
Kingdom taxation aspects of payments in respect of the Notes and/or the Guarantee of the Notes. In
particular, Noteholders should be aware that they may be liable to taxation under the laws of other
jurisdictions in relation to payments in respect of the Notes and/or the Guarantee of the Notes even if such
payments may be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of taxation under the laws of
the United Kingdom.
B United Kingdom Withholding Tax on United Kingdom Source Interest
UK Notes listed on a recognised stock exchange
Any Notes which carry a right to interest which are considered to have a United Kingdom source ("UK
Notes") will constitute "quoted Eurobonds" (within the meaning of section 987 of the Income Tax Act 2007
(the "Act")) provided they are and continue to be listed on a recognised stock exchange (within the meaning
of section 1005 of the Act) or admitted to trading on a "multilateral trading facility" (within the meaning of
section 987 of the Act). Whilst the UK Notes are and continue to be quoted Eurobonds, payments of interest
on the UK Notes may be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom
income tax.
Securities will be "listed on a recognised stock exchange" for this purpose if they are admitted to trading
on an exchange designated as a recognised stock exchange by an order made by the Commissioners for
HMRC and either they are included in the United Kingdom official list (within the meaning of Part 6 of the
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) or they are officially listed, in accordance with provisions
corresponding to those generally applicable in European Economic Area states, in a country outside the
United Kingdom in which there is a recognised stock exchange.
The London Stock Exchange is a recognised stock exchange, and accordingly the UK Notes will constitute
quoted Eurobonds provided they are and continue to be included in the United Kingdom official list and
admitted to trading on the Regulated Market of that exchange.
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In all cases falling outside the exemption described above, interest on the Notes may fall to be paid under
deduction of United Kingdom income tax at the basic rate (currently 20 per cent) subject to such relief or
exemption as may be available (for example, in respect of payments to Noteholders which the relevant
Issuer reasonably believes either are a company resident in the United Kingdom, or are a company not
resident in the United Kingdom carrying on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent
establishment which brings into account the interest in computing its United Kingdom taxable profits, or
fall within various categories enjoying a special tax status (including charities and pension funds), or are
partnerships consisting of such persons (unless HMRC directs otherwise)). However, this withholding will
not apply if the relevant interest is paid on Notes with a maturity date of less than one year from the date of
issue and which are not issued under arrangements the effect of which is to render such Notes part of a
borrowing with a total term of a year or more.
The above description of the United Kingdom withholding tax position assumes that there will be no
substitution of an Issuer pursuant to Condition 17(c) of the Notes or otherwise and does not consider the
tax consequences of any such substitution.
C Payments by Guarantor
If the Guarantor makes any payments in respect of interest on the Notes (or other amounts due under the
Notes other than the repayment of amounts subscribed for the Notes) such payments may be subject to UK
withholding tax at the basic rate (currently 20 per cent.), subject to such relief or exemption as may be
available. Such payments by the Guarantor may not be eligible for any of the other exemptions described
above.
D Other Rules Relating to United Kingdom Withholding Tax
1. Where interest has been paid under deduction of United Kingdom income tax, Noteholders who
are not resident in the United Kingdom may be able to recover all or part of the tax deducted if
there is an appropriate provision in any applicable double taxation treaty.
2. The references to "interest" in A, B and C above mean "interest" as understood in United Kingdom
tax law and in particular any premium element of the redemption amount of any Notes redeemable
at a premium may constitute a payment of interest subject to the withholding tax provisions
discussed above. In certain cases, the same could be true for amounts of discount where Notes are
issued at a discount.
3. The statements in A, B and C above do not take any account of any different definitions of
"interest" or "principal" which may prevail under any other law or which may be created by the
terms and conditions of the Notes or any related documentation.
4. Where a payment on a Note does not constitute (or is not treated as) interest for United Kingdom
tax purposes, and the payment has a United Kingdom source, it would potentially be subject to
United Kingdom withholding tax if, for example, it constitutes (or is treated as) an annual payment
or a manufactured payment for United Kingdom tax purposes (which will be determined by,
amongst other things, the terms and conditions specified by the Final Terms of the Note). In such
a case, the payment may fall to be made under deduction of United Kingdom income tax (the rate
of withholding depending on the nature of the payment), subject to such relief as may be available
following a direction from HMRC pursuant to the provisions of any applicable double taxation
treaty, or to any other exemption which may apply.
The Netherlands Taxation
A Introduction
The following is a summary of Dutch withholding taxation treatment at the date hereof in relation to
payments of principal and interest in respect of the Notes. It is based on the laws and practice in force as of
the date of this Prospectus and is subject to any changes in law and the interpretation and application thereof,
which changes could have retroactive effect. The following summary does not purport to be a
comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to the Notes, and in particular,
the comments do not deal with Netherlands tax aspects of acquiring, holding or disposing of Notes or
Coupons, and do not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors,
some of which may be subject to special rules.
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Where the summary refers to "the Netherlands" or "Dutch" it refers only to the European part of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Investors should consult their professional advisers on the tax consequences of their acquiring, holding and
disposing of Notes or Coupons.
B Withholding Tax
All payments of principal and interest by the Issuers under the Notes and all guarantee payments by the
Guarantor under the Guarantee can be made without withholding or deduction of any taxes of whatever
nature imposed, levied, withheld or assessed by the Netherlands or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein.
However, as of 1 January 2021 Dutch withholding tax may apply on certain (deemed) interest payments
and guarantee payments (with respect to payments by Compass PLC to the extent such payments are
attributable to a permanent establishment of it in the Netherlands) made to an entity affiliated (gelieerd) to
Compass Group Finance B.V. or Compass PLC, as the case may be, if such entity (i) is considered to be
resident (gevestigd) in a jurisdiction that is listed in the yearly updated Dutch Regulation on low-taxing
states and non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes (Regeling laagbelastende staten en niet-
coöperatieve rechtsgebieden voor belastingdoeleinden), or (ii) has a permanent establishment located in
such jurisdiction to which the interest is attributable, or (iii) is entitled to the interest payable for the main
purpose or one of the main purposes to avoid taxation for another person, or (iv) is not considered to be the
recipient of the interest in its jurisdiction of residence because such jurisdiction treats another (lower-tier)
entity as the recipient of the interest (a hybrid mismatch), or (v) is not treated as resident anywhere (also a
hybrid mismatch), all within the meaning of the Withholding Tax Act 2021 (Wet bronbelasting 2021).
FATCA
Pursuant to certain provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, commonly known as FATCA, a
"foreign financial institution" may be required to withhold on certain payments it makes ("foreign
passthru payments") to persons that fail to meet certain certification, reporting, or related requirements.
A number of jurisdictions (including the United Kingdom and the Netherlands) have entered into, or have
agreed in substance to, intergovernmental agreements with the United States to implement FATCA
("IGAs"), which modify the way in which FATCA applies in their jurisdictions. Under the provisions of
IGAs as currently in effect, a foreign financial institution in an IGA jurisdiction would generally not be
required to withhold under FATCA or an IGA from payments that it makes. Certain aspects of the
application of the FATCA provisions and IGAs to instruments such as the Notes, including whether
withholding would ever be required pursuant to FATCA or an IGA with respect to payments on instruments
such as the Notes, are uncertain and may be subject to change. Even if withholding would be required
pursuant to FATCA or an IGA with respect to payments on instruments such as the Notes, such withholding
would not apply prior to the date that is two years after the date on which final regulations defining foreign
passthru payments are published in the U.S. Federal Register and Notes characterised as debt (or which are
not otherwise characterised as equity and have a fixed term) for U.S. federal tax purposes that are issued
on or prior to the date that is six months after the date on which final regulations defining foreign passthru
payments are filed with the U.S. Federal Register would generally be "grandfathered" for purposes of
FATCA withholding unless materially modified after such date (including by reason of a substitution of
the Issuer). Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding how these rules may apply to their
investment in the Notes. In the event any withholding would be required pursuant to FATCA or an IGA
with respect to payments on the Notes, no person will be required to pay additional amounts as a result of
the withholding.
The proposed financial transactions tax ("FTT")
On 14 February 2013, the European Commission published a proposal (the "Commission's Proposal") for
a Directive for a common FTT in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Austria,
Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia (other than Estonia, the "participating Member States"). However,
Estonia has since stated that it will not participate.
The Commission's Proposal has very broad scope and could, if introduced, apply to certain dealings in
Notes (including secondary market transactions) in certain circumstances. Primary market transactions
referred to in Article 5(c) of Regulation (EC) No 1287/2006 are expected to be exempt.
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Under the Commission's Proposal the FTT could apply in certain circumstances to persons both within and
outside of the participating Member States. Generally, it would apply to certain dealings in Notes where at
least one party is a financial institution, and at least one party is established in a participating Member State.
A financial institution may be, or be deemed to be, "established" in a participating Member State in a broad
range of circumstances, including (a) by transacting with a person established in a participating Member
State or (b) where the financial instrument which is subject to the dealings is issued in a participating
Member State.
However, the FTT proposal remains subject to negotiation between the participating Member States. It
may therefore be altered prior to any implementation, the timing of which remains unclear. Additional EU
Member States may decide to participate.
Prospective holders of Notes are advised to seek their own professional advice in relation to the FTT.
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SUBSCRIPTION AND SALE
Notes may be sold from time to time by the Issuers to Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Citigroup
Global Markets Europe AG (as "Permanent Dealers" and together with any new dealers, the "Dealers").
The arrangements under which Notes may from time to time be agreed to be sold by the Issuers to, and
purchased by, Dealers are set out in an amended and restated Dealer Agreement dated 25 August 2020 (as
further amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Dealer Agreement") and made between the
Issuers and the Dealers. Any such agreement will, inter alia, make provision for the form and terms and
conditions of the relevant Notes, the price at which such Notes will be purchased by the Dealers and the
commissions or other agreed deductibles (if any) payable or allowable by the Issuers in respect of such
purchase. The Dealer Agreement makes provision for the resignation or termination of appointment of
existing Dealers and for the appointment of additional or other Dealers either generally in respect of the
Programme or in relation to a particular Tranche of Notes.
United States of America: Regulation S Category 2; TEFRA D or TEFRA C as specified in the relevant
Final Terms or neither if TEFRA is specified as not applicable in the relevant Final Terms.
The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or with any securities
regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered or sold
within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S)
except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Terms used
in this paragraph have the meanings given to them by Regulation S.
The Bearer Notes are subject to U.S. tax law requirements and may not be offered, sold or delivered within
the United States or its possessions or to a United States person, except in certain transactions permitted by
U.S. tax regulations. Terms used in this paragraph have the meanings given to them by the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code and regulations thereunder.
Each Dealer has agreed, and each further Dealer appointed under the Programme will be required to agree,
that, except as permitted by the Dealer Agreement, it will not offer, sell or deliver Notes, (i) as part of their
distribution at any time or (ii) otherwise until 40 days after the completion of the distribution of the Notes
comprising the relevant Tranche, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons
and such Dealer will have sent to each dealer to which it sells Notes during the distribution compliance
period relating thereto (as defined in Regulation S), a confirmation or other notice setting forth the
restrictions on offers and sales of the Notes within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of,
U.S. persons.
In addition, until 40 days after the commencement of the offering of Notes comprising any Tranche, any
offer or sale of Notes within the United States by any dealer (whether or not participating in the offering)
may violate the registration requirements of the Securities Act if such offer or sale is made otherwise than
in accordance with an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
Prohibition of Sales to EEA and UK Retail Investors
Unless the Final Terms (or Pricing Supplement, as the case may be) in respect of any Notes specifies the
"Prohibition of Sales to EEA and UK Retail Investors" as "Not Applicable", each Dealer has represented
and agreed, and each further Dealer appointed under the Programme will be required to represent and agree,
that it has not offered, sold or otherwise made available and will not offer, sell or otherwise make available
any Notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this Prospectus as completed by the Final
Terms (or Pricing Supplement, as the case may be) in relation thereto to any retail investor in the European
Economic Area or the UK.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of
the following:
(i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of MiFID II; or
(ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not
qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II.
If the Final Terms (or Pricing Supplement, as the case may be) in respect of any Notes specifies "Prohibition
of Sales to EEA and UK Retail Investors" as "Not Applicable", each Dealer has represented and agreed in
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relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom (each a "Relevant
State") and each further Dealer appointed under the Programme will be required to represent and agree it
has not made and will not make an offer of Notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by the
Prospectus as completed by the final terms in relation thereto or, in the case of Exempt Notes, as completed,
amended and/or replaced by the Pricing Supplement in relation thereto (or are the subject of the offering
contemplated by a Drawdown Prospectus, as the case may be) to the public in that Relevant State except
that it may make an offer of such Notes to the public in that Relevant State:
(a) Qualified investors: at any time to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the
Prospectus Regulation;
(b) Fewer than 150 offerees: at any time to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified
investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the
relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by the relevant Issuer for any such offer; or
(c) Other exempt offers: at any time in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the
Prospectus Regulation.
provided that no such offer of Notes referred to in (a) to (c) above shall require the relevant Issuer, the
Guarantor as the case may be, or any Dealer to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus
Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of Notes to the public" in relation to any Notes
in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information
on the terms of the offer and the Notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or
subscribe the Notes, and the expression "Prospectus Regulation" means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
Selling Restrictions Addressing Additional United Kingdom Securities Laws
Each Dealer has represented, warranted and agreed, and each further Dealer appointed under the
Programme will be required to represent, warrant and agree that:
(a) No deposit-taking: in relation to any Notes having a maturity of less than one year:
(i) it is a person whose ordinary activities involve it in acquiring, holding, managing or
disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of its business; and:
(ii) it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any Notes other than to persons:
(A) whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or
disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their
businesses; or
(B) who it is reasonable to expect will acquire, hold, manage or dispose of
investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses,
where the issue of the Notes would otherwise constitute a contravention of Section 19 of the FSMA
by the relevant Issuer;
(b) Financial promotion: it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only
communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment
activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue
or sale of any Notes in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the
relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be; and
(c) General compliance: it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA
with respect to anything done by it in relation to any Notes in, from or otherwise involving the
United Kingdom.
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The Netherlands
Zero Coupon Notes
Zero Coupon Notes in definitive bearer form and other Notes in definitive bearer form on which interest
does not become due and payable during their term but only at maturity (savings certificates or
spaarbewijzen as defined in The Netherlands Savings Certificates Act or Wet inzake spaarbewijzen, the
"SCA") may only be transferred and accepted, directly or indirectly, within, from or into The Netherlands
through the mediation of either Compass Group International B.V. or a member of Euronext Amsterdam
N.V. with due observance of the provisions of the SCA and its implementing regulations (which include
registration requirements). No such mediation is required, however, in respect of (i) the initial issue of such
Notes to the first holders thereof, (ii) the transfer and acceptance by individuals who do not act in the
conduct of a profession or business, and (iii) the issue and trading of such Notes if they are physically issued
outside The Netherlands and are not immediately thereafter distributed in The Netherlands.
Belgium
Other than in respect of Notes for which "Prohibition of Sales to Belgian Consumers" is specified as "Not
Applicable" in the Final Terms, each Dealer has represented and agreed, and each further Dealer appointed
under the Programme will be required to represent and agree, that it has not advertised, offered, sold or
delivered and will not advertise, offer, sell or deliver, directly or indirectly, Notes to any Belgian
Consumers, and has not distributed or caused to be distributed and will not distribute or cause to be
distributed, any prospectus, memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar documents in
relation to the Notes, directly or indirectly, to any Belgian Consumer. For these purposes, a "Belgian
Consumer" has the meaning provided by the Belgian Code of Economic Law, as amended from time to
time (Wetboek van 28 februari 2013 van economisch recht/Code du 28 février 2013 de droit économique),
being any natural person resident or located in Belgium and acting for purposes which are outside his/her
trade, business or profession.
Japan
The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of
Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended, the "FIEA"). Accordingly, each of the Dealers has represented
and agreed, and each further Dealer appointed under the Programme will be required to represent and agree,
that it has not, directly or indirectly, offered or sold and will not, directly or indirectly, offer or sell any
Notes in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (as defined under Item 5, Paragraph 1,
Article 6 of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Act (Act No. 228 of 1949, as amended)) or
to others for re-offering or re-sale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of
Japan except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance
with, the FIEA and other relevant laws and regulations of Japan.
Singapore
Each Dealer has acknowledged, and each further Dealer appointed under the Programme will be required
to acknowledge, that this Base Prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary
Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, each Dealer has represented and agreed, and each further Dealer
appointed under the Programme will be required to represent and agree, that it has not offered or sold any
Notes or caused any Notes to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and it will
not offer or sell any Notes or cause any Notes to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or
purchase, and it has not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or distribute, this Base Prospectus or
any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or
purchase, of any Notes, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an
institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore,
as modified or amended from time to time (the "SFA")) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant
person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person
pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of
the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable
provision of the SFA. Where the Notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a
relevant person which is:
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(a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole
business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or
more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or
(b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments
and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,
securities or securities based derivative contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that
corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be
transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the Notes pursuant to an offer
made under Section 275 of the SFA, except:
i. to an institutional investor or to a relevant person or to any person arising from an offer
referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;
ii. where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;
iii. where the transfer is by operation of law;
iv. as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or
v. as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investment)
(Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018.
General
Each Dealer has represented, warranted and agreed, and each further Dealer appointed under the
Programme will be required to represent, warrant and agree, that to the best of its knowledge and belief it
has complied and will comply with all applicable laws and regulations in each country or jurisdiction in or
from which it purchases, offers, sells or delivers Notes or possesses, distributes or publishes this Base
Prospectus or any Final Terms or any related offering material, in all cases at its own expense. Other persons
into whose hands this Base Prospectus or any Final Terms comes are required by the Issuers and the Dealers
to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in each country or jurisdiction in or from which they
purchase, offer, sell or deliver Notes or possess, distribute or publish this Base Prospectus or any Final
Terms or any related offering material, in all cases at their own expense.
The Dealer Agreement provides that the Dealers shall not be bound by any of the restrictions relating to
any specific jurisdiction (set out above) to the extent that such restrictions shall, as a result of change(s) or
change(s) in official interpretation, after the date hereof, of applicable laws and regulations, no longer be
applicable but without prejudice to the obligations of the Dealers described in the paragraph headed
"General" above.
Selling restrictions may be supplemented or modified with the agreement of the Issuers. Any such
supplement or modification may be set out in an appendix to the relevant Final Terms (in the case of a
supplement or modification relevant only to a particular Tranche of Notes) or in a supplement to this Base
Prospectus.
With regard to each Tranche of Exempt Notes or Notes which are the subject of a Pricing Supplement or
Drawdown Prospectus, the relevant Dealer(s) will be required to comply with such other additional
restrictions as the Issuers and the relevant Dealer(s) shall agree and as shall be set out in the relevant Pricing
Supplement or Drawdown Prospectus.
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TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
Each purchaser of Bearer Notes or Registered Notes outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S and
each subsequent purchaser of such Notes in resales prior to the expiration of the distribution compliance
period, by accepting delivery of this Base Prospectus and the Notes, will be deemed to have represented,
agreed and acknowledged that:
(i) it is, or at the time Notes are purchased will be, the beneficial owner of such Notes and:
(a) it is not a U.S. person and it is located outside the United States (within the meaning of
Regulation S); and
(b) it is not an affiliate of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, or a person
acting on behalf of such an affiliate;
(ii) it understands that such Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act
and that, prior to the expiration of the distribution compliance period (as defined in Regulation S),
it will not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer such Notes except:
(a) in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 of Regulation S; or
(b) to the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be;
in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any State of the United States;
(iii) it understands that each Issuer, the Guarantor as the case may be, the Trustee, the Registrar, the
Dealers and their affiliates, and others will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing
acknowledgements, representations and agreements.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Authorisation
1. The establishment of the Programme was authorised by a resolution of the General Business
Committee of Compass PLC passed on 15 June 2010. The update of the Programme was authorised
by a resolution of the Treasury Management Committee of Compass PLC passed on 24 August
2020. Compass PLC has obtained or will obtain from time to time all necessary consents, approvals
and authorisations in connection with the issue and performance of the Notes and its obligations
under the Guarantee.
2. The entry into the Programme by Compass Group Finance B.V. was authorised by a resolution of
the management board of Compass Group Finance B.V. passed on 17 July 2018 and the update of
the Programme was authorised by a resolution of the management board of Compass Group
Finance B.V. passed on 24 August 2020. Compass Group Finance B.V. has obtained or will obtain
from time to time all necessary consents, approvals and authorisations in connection with the issue
and performance of the Notes.
Legal and Arbitration Proceedings
3. There are no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings, (including any such proceedings
which are pending or threatened, of which Compass PLC is aware), which may have, or have had
during the 12 months prior to the date of this Base Prospectus, a significant effect on the financial
position or profitability of Compass PLC and/or the Group.
4. There are no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings, (including any such proceedings
which are pending or threatened, of which Compass Group Finance B.V. is aware), which may
have, or have had since the date of its incorporation, a significant effect on the financial position
or profitability of Compass Group Finance B.V.
Significant/Material Change
5. Save as disclosed in "Description of Compass Group PLC – Recent Developments", since 31
March 2020 there has been no significant change in the financial position or financial performance
of the Group. Save as disclosed in "Description of Compass Group PLC – Recent Developments",
since 30 September 2019 there has been no material adverse change in the prospects of either
Compass PLC or Compass Group Finance B.V.
Auditors
6. The consolidated financial statements of Compass PLC have been audited without qualification
for the years ended 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2019 by KPMG LLP, 15 Canada Square,
Canary Wharf, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom.
7. The financial statements of Compass Group Finance B.V. have been audited without qualification
for the years ended 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2019 by KPMG Accountants N.V., Laan
van Langerhuize 1, 1186 DS Amstelveen, The Netherlands.
Documents on Display
8. Copies of the following documents may be inspected during normal business hours at the offices
of The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch at One Canada Square,
Canary Wharf, London E14 5AL for 12 months from the date of this Base Prospectus or at the
websites specified below:
(a) the constitutional documents of Compass PLC and Compass Group Finance B.V.
(available at: for Compass PLC, https://www.compass-group.com/content/dam/compass-
group/corporate/Who-we-are/Governance/February_2017_Articles_of_Association.pdf
and for Compass Group Finance B.V., https://www.compass-
group.com/en/investors/compass-group-finance-netherlands-b-v-.html);
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(b) the audited consolidated financial statements of Compass PLC for the years ended 30
September 2018 and 30 September 2019 (available at: https://www.compass-
group.com/en/investors/annual-reports.html);
(c) the audited financial statements of Compass Group Finance B.V. for the years ended 30
September 2018 and 30 September 2019 (available at: https://www.compass-
group.com/en/investors/compass-group-finance-netherlands-b-v-.html);
(d) the Trust Deed (which contains the forms of Notes in global and definitive form) (available
at: https://www.compass-group.com/en/investors/compass-group-finance-netherlands-b-
v-.html); and;
(e) the Agency Agreement (available at: https://www.compass-
group.com/en/investors/compass-group-finance-netherlands-b-v-.html).
Issuer website
9. The Issuer's website is https://www.compass-group.com/en/index.html. Unless specifically
incorporated by reference into this base prospectus, information contained on the website does not
form part of this prospectus.
Validity of prospectus and prospectus supplements
10. For the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer shall have no obligation to supplement this base prospectus
after the end of its 12-month validity period.
Clearing of the Notes
11. The Notes have been accepted for clearance through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. The
appropriate common code and/or the International Securities Identification Number ("ISIN")
(ISIN) (as applicable) in relation to the Notes of each Tranche will be specified in the relevant
Final Terms. The relevant Final Terms shall specify any other clearing system as shall have
accepted the relevant Notes for clearance together with any further appropriate information.
Interests of natural and legal persons
12. Certain of the Dealers and their affiliates (which, for the purposes of this paragraph shall include
parent companies), have engaged, and may in the future engage, in investment banking and/or
commercial banking transactions and may perform services for the Issuers and their affiliates in
the ordinary course of business. In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the
Dealers and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt
and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank
loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and
securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the Issuers or the Issuers' affiliates.
Certain of the Dealers or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with the Issuers routinely
hedge their credit exposure to the Issuers consistent with their customary risk management policies.
Typically, such Dealers and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions
which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in
securities, including potentially the Notes issued under the Programme. Any such short positions
could adversely affect future trading prices of Notes issued under the Programme. The Dealers and
their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent
research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend
to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments. The
relevant Final Terms will specify any other interests of natural and legal persons involved in each
issue/offer of Notes under the Programme.
LEI
13. The Legal Entity Identifier code of Compass PLC is 2138008M6MH9OZ6U2T68 and Compass
Group Finance B.V. is 213800YZZX39WY5G7M06.
LON56926774 021312-0516
REGISTERED AND PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF THE ISSUERS
Compass Group PLC
Compass House
Guildford Street
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 9BQ
Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.
Laarderhoogtweg 11
1101 DZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
ARRANGER AND DEALER
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Citigroup Centre
Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5LB
Citigroup Global Markets AG
Reuterweg 16
60323 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
TRUSTEE
Citicorp Trustee Company Limited
Citigroup Centre
Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5LB
PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT AND
TRANSFER AGENT
PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through
its London Branch
One Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5AL
The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV
(Luxembourg)
Vertigo Building-Polaris
2-4 Rue Eugène Ruppert
L-2453 Luxembourg
LEGAL ADVISERS
To the Issuers and the Guarantor as to English
law:
To the Issuers and the Guarantor as to Dutch
law:
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
65 Fleet Street
London EC4Y 1HS
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Strawinskylaan 10, 1077 XZ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
To the Dealers and the Trustee as to English law: To the Dealers and the Trustee as to English law:
Clifford Chance LLP
10 Upper Bank Street
London E14 5JJ
Clifford Chance LLP
IJsbaanpad 2
1076 CV Amsterdam
Netherlands
AUDITORS TO THE ISSUERS AND THE GUARANTOR
KPMG
15 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5GL
United Kingdom
KPMG Accountants N.V.
Laan van Langerhuize 1
1186 DS Amstelveen
The Netherlands